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June 17, 2009

Exelon's ComEd is a Major Green Fleet (cars, trucks, etc.)




 com ed logo

ComEd, a Exelon company has bought 50 Toyota Prius to add toExelon 2020 Seal its already substantial GREEN fleet of cars and trucks. 

" ...One of Nation's Largest Green Fleets ... save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, ...  including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. ..."
   
" ... Compared to an average subcompact, the Prius hybrid and plug-in electric version consume about 30 and 65 percent less fuel, respectively. ... reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 metric tons."

" ... 63 percent of the ComEd fleet uses a fuel source other than 100 percent gasoline.... 1,774 trucks that use biodiesel fuel ...250 E85 flex-fuel vehicles ... 91 hybrid Ford Escape SUVs; one biodiesel-electric hybrid bucket truck; one liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bucket truck; and the 50 new Prius vehicles. ..."

 

Via:  Exelon  LINK

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June 05, 2009

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Innovative Electric Vehicle Accelerates to Market




Mitsubishi Motors will bring its i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle, or EV, to market in 2009. It is expected to deliver over 150 km of driving on a single charge. The charging mechanism is flexible to accomodate recharging the battery at home or at distributed quick charging stations. ...
... "The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs. " ...
Via Mitsubishi Motors: Electric Vehicle i-MiEV

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April 22, 2009

Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility)




P.U.M.A. (Personalized Urban Mobility & Accessibility) vehicl

What do you get when you take a Segway "scootehttp://www.segway.com/puma/images/clean-design-powered-efficiently.jpgr" and put a seat and "body" on it?  GM and Segway are prototyping this concept to develop a P.U.M.A. - personal urban mobility and access device.

Read on for more ... 

" ... Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility) prototype. ... working concept ... in collaboration with General Motors Corp. ..."

"... demonstrate a dramatically different approach to urban mobility ... Built off of the proven reliable and safe technology you find in Segway Personal Transporters (PTs), the prototype truly does expand upon the exhilarating riding experience…"

Via:  Segway  LINK

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April 20, 2009

Wheego EV - to Ship in MAY 2009




 

wheego

"WHEEGO ELECTRIC CARS, a division of RTEV, Inc., ... a full line of recreational and street electric LSVs (Low Speed Vehicles), ... is taking reservations for its first car, the Wheego Whip, which will begin shipping in May."

" ... a fully loaded two-passenger automobile ... Remote keyless entry, air conditioning and an mp3 stereo system are standard equipment  ... retails for under $19,000, and it only costs about 3 cents per mile to operate.  ... a 10% Federal Tax credit on the purchase price of the car as a Low Speed Vehicle in 2009. When the Whip is eventually certified and sold as a full speed car, the Federal Tax credit will be $7,500."


Via:  wheego.net LINK

 

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April 03, 2009

San Francisco Green Initiatives




Gavin Newson, mayor of SF, shares his thoughts on how the city can reduce emissions and become more green and environmentally friendly ... maybe even be the electric car capital of ... the US? Video below ... At the Green: Net '09 Conference in San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom lays out the city's future plans for reducing emissions even further. He explains the city's current electric-car project, and the coming green initiatives of wave technology and tidal-flow generators--a steady stream of energy, he says, that will come right from San Francisco Bay. Via: ZDNet Link
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March 26, 2009

Electric Vehicle Battery Testing




The President mentions specific companies to highlight their involvement in or connection to the clean tech industry as he discuss the country's investment in energy transformation. ...
... "And just last week I visited the Electric Vehicle Technical Center in Pomona, California, which is testing batteries to power a new generation of plug-in hybrids that will help end our dependence on foreign oil. I have to say, Susan, the battery I saw was bigger than that one that's on the desk -- (laughter) -- but that may be the direction we're moving. So innovators like you are creating the jobs that will foster our recovery –- and creating the technologies that will power our long-term prosperity. " ...
Via The White House: Investments in Clean Energy and New Technologies

Continue reading "Electric Vehicle Battery Testing" »

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March 19, 2009

Electric Vehicle Battery Value Chain




General Motors' Volt will source electric vehicle battery cells from LG Chem in South Korea which is only one part of the value chain for this critical part. ...
... "That is GM’s role in the Volt’s battery value chain. We write the software and produce the electronic controls that operate the battery. We design the battery pack. We integrate the battery into the vehicle. We design the vehicle, and maximize the battery’s capabilities to meet the Volt’s unique performance expectations, such as up to 40 miles of electric-only driving. " ...
Via General Motors FastLane: Batteries Developed in the U.S.

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February 27, 2009

GreenWheel Battery Powered Bike





MIT logoGreen Wheel is a cross between a regular bicycle and a motorcycle developed by scientists at MIT.

" ... GreenWheel ... will turn any pedal bicycle into an electric hog. ... has the radius of a small dinner plate and is about 2 inches thick. Inside the aluminum frame sits the three major GreenWheel components: an electric generator, batteries and an electric motor."

green wheel " ... a bike powered solely by a single GreenWheel ... has an estimated range of 25 miles. ... bike can be charged by pedaling or by plugging it into the electric grid.

" ... estimates its range at 40,000 miles, or about eight years work of travel at an estimated 20 miles per business day. ...

" ... getting people out of cars and onto bikes ... GreenWheel designers hope to reduce the use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. ... GreenWheel is also made from environmentally friendly processes by companies like A123 Systems, which manufactures the lithium ion batteries used in the GreenWheel."


 

Via:  msnbc.msn.com  LINK

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February 04, 2009

Ford Announces Hybrid Car Battery Partner




Ford Motor Company "Ford ... entered into a partnership with battery producer Johnson Controls-Saft to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system ...  seven regional electric utility partners are joining Ford and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct real-world tests on an expanding fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs.Johnson Conmtrols Logo"

" ... partnerships will help Ford accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International by 2011 and a PHEV by 2012."

" ... battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing ...  the cells will be produced at the supplier's production facility in France, but the system will be assembled in the United States. The five-year supply agreement includes delivery for committed production in 2012 with a target of at least 5,000 units per year."

 

Via:  Ford Motor Company  LINK

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February 03, 2009

Greener Ice Resurfacing Machine





Olympia Ice BearResurfice now makes a battery operated ice resurfacing machines .  Ofter called "Zamboni's" after the first manufacturer of these products ...  Resurfice developed a battery operated model for those who are looking to be Greener on the ice ...

"In response to an industry demand for a pollution free, safe, efficient, cordless electric powered ice resurfacer, the Olympia IceBear sets a new standard in high performance and low operational costs while producing zero emissions."

 

Via:  LSK Enterprises    Link

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December 15, 2008

Electrovaya Maya-300 Electric Car





electrovaya logo

 Toronto Canada based electovaya (Toronto Stock Exchange EFL) has announced its Maya-300, a ZERO emission elelectrovayaelectric car that will go up to 35 mph and have a range of up to 120 miles.  Using Lithium ion type batteries with film materials from ExxonMobil the Maya-300 might be your next city car ... or second car.

Read on for more ...

" ... Maya-300, a zero-emission ... transportation solution with sufficient range for many drivers. Its top speed is electronically regulated to either 25 or 35 mph ...  long electric range of up to 120 miles on a single charge and works very well in cold weather conditions ...on-board battery charger allows for convenient recharging with standard 110V outlets ..."

 

Via:  elecrovaya  LINK

 

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December 07, 2008

Buddy Electric Car




Three-seater Buddy electric vehicle from Norway will support multiple battery technology as the industry solutions evolve. ...
... "The passengers’ safety is well taken care of by the frame and safety cabin made of steel tubes, the doors with crossbars and the deformation zones in the front and rear. The Buddy allows flexibility for varying battery technologies both where electronics and space are concerned. " ...
Via ElBil Norge AS: Buddy electric car from Norway

Buddy car ...



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December 03, 2008

Hawaii Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan




Governor Linda Lingle and Better Place CEO Shai Agassi plan to create the infrastructure to enable a robust deployment of electric cars in Hawaii, positioning the state as a model for the nation. ...
... "Hawaii spends up to $7 billion a year on oil imports and drivers pay some of the highest gasoline prices in the nation -- accounting for nearly 20 percent of the state’s Green House Gases (GHG). Building the infrastructure for widespread adoption of electric vehicles will not only stimulate the local economy and reduce carbon emissions, but also provide a more affordable transportation option for Hawaii's drivers. Hawaii, with its ready access to renewable energy resources like solar, wind, wave and geothermal, is the ideal location to serve as a blue print for the rest of the U.S. in terms of reducing our dependence on foreign oil, growing our renewable energy portfolio and creating an infrastructure that will stabilize our economy, said Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO of Better Place. " ...
Via Hawaii Office of the Governor: NATIONAL BLUEPRINT FOR CLEAN ENERGY IN TRANSPORTATION

Hawaii Press Conference Video Hawaii Better Place Video

Better Place Hawaii: "Better Place said that it will be partnering with Hawaii to make mass adoption of electric vehicles powered by renewable energy a reality in the state by 2012. "

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November 24, 2008

BMW MINI E (electric)




 e-mini plugs in 

The very popular Mini (by BMW) is set to come out in a plug in version.  Dubbed the Mini e ... the first 500 are planned for the greater LA area and NYC.

"introduced the MINI E electric vehicle at the 2008 Los ABMW -e-Miningeles Auto Show ... MINI E is a pure electric ... runs on lithium-ion batteries. ... "

" ... have set up a special website where you can put your name on the list. ... taking reservations until December 10, 2008 ..."

" ... the MINI E will be the first lithium-ion powered electric to hit the streets in any quantity. This is just the start of more electric happenings to come. "

 

Via: Examiner.com LINK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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November 16, 2008

Electric Vehicle Performance Metric




EPA mileage ratings need to shift to accomodate hybrid and electric vehicles. ...
... "Because the Tesla never consumes petroleum while driving, the E.P.A.-required window sticker lists the energy consumed in kilowatt-hours of electricity. Translating the Roadster’s numbers --- 32 kilowatt hours per 100 miles in town and 33 on the highway ... " ...
Via New York Times: 100 miles per gallon

Hybrid fuel economy.

Continue reading "Electric Vehicle Performance Metric" »

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October 24, 2008

MINI to offer Electric Car





MINI w/ plug in logo on roofThe BMW / MINI is a hot little car and pretty fuel efficient ... designed with lots of energy saving features like lightweight recyclable aluminum and some plastic parts coded for recycling.

The next step might be the electric / plug in MINI.  Read on for more >>

" ... readying an invasion fleet of 500 electric MINIs to launch on the shores of California, New York and New Jersey....will be used by a mixture of corporations and “private individuals”."

" ... electric MINIs are powered by a motor (with 220nM of torque) and by a lithium ion battery ... takes up the place where the rear two seats usually live in the MINI hatchback ... electric motor drives the front wheels and the top speed is just 95mph, ... the MINI E will do 0-62mph in 8.5sec."

" ... plugged into the domestic supply to recharge and all owners will be given a wall-mounted box that will recharge the MINI E in around 2.5 hours....a range of over 100 miles."

 

Via:  Mirror.CO.UK  LINK

 

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October 16, 2008

Pininfarina B0 (as in B-zero)





Pininfarina B0

"Design house Pininfarina, ... B0, ...four-seat, four-door electric hatchback created in partnership with Bolloré ... B0 will be a mass production model, with the first units coming off the production line at the end of 2009, ... a range of 153 miles and a top speed of 80 MPH.

" ... production will be ramped up gradually based on the availability of the batteries. Built in Turin ... the B0 electric car will be powered by Bolloré’s proprietary LMP technology, using a combination of batteries and supercapacitors ... a fully-electric vehicle without any carbon dioxide production,

 

Via: jalopnik Link

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September 18, 2008

Tesla Motors to build All Electric Sports Sedan




Tesla Motors Logo

Tesla Motors announced plans to build its second car model, the Moedl S (no doubt for Sedan)  in California.  Their first model, a two seat roadster, made headlines for amazing performance from an all electric car.

" ... Tesla ... plans to  build a $250 million facility to manufacture a zero-emission luxury sedan in the heart of Silicon Valley. ... The factory – expected to achieve gold certification from U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ..."

"Model S is Tesla’s zero-emission, five-passenger luxury sedan powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. ... expected to ... get about 240 miles per charge with exceptional performance. The first sedans will likely roll off the assembly line in late 2010."

Via:  Tesla Motors  Link

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July 22, 2008

Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure




GM and utilities plan collaboration to build the infrastructure to support electric plug-in vehicles. ...
... "General Motors will work with EPRI and the utility companies on everything from codes and standards to grid capability to ensure that when the Volt goes to market, the infrastructure is ready - and customers can realize the full potential of these revolutionary vehicles as soon as they leave the showroom. Details of the alliance, which is by far the largest and most-comprehensive between an automaker and the electric utility industry, were announced today in San Jose during the Plug-In 2008 Conference. Among the many things the coalition will address include ensuring safe and convenient vehicle charging, raising the public awareness and understanding of plug-in electric vehicles, and working with public policy leaders to enable a transition from petroleum to electricity as a fuel source. " ...
Via GM: Major Collaboration to Commercialize Plug-in Vehicles

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July 01, 2008

Honda FCX Clarity - First Mass Production Fuel Cell Car




Honda LogoHonda's Clarity is slated to be the first hydrogen powered car to be mass produced.

Fuel cells are not new .... though they are relatively a new idea for cars ... one lingering problem is the INFRASTRUCTURE needed to make these cars viable.  Read on for more about this as well >>>

How do Fuel Cells work and what are their advantages ... Read on for more >>> 

" ...hydrogen fuel cell produces electricity ... electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn drives the front wheels. Water vapor and heat are the only byproducts."
 
The fuel cell is in the purple circle in the car shown to the right >>
 
The more technical details ....
" ... Hydrogen fuel is fed into the anode of the fuel cell. ... hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. ...Electrons are channeled through a circuit to produce electricity. ...Protons pass through the polymer electrolyte membrane. ...Oxygen ... enters the cathode and combines with the electrons and protons to form water. ...water vapor and heat are released as byproducts of this reaction."
 

Via:  Honda  Link

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June 15, 2008

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Investments




The Department of Energy will fund three plug-in hybrid electric vehicle projects through $30 million of government funding and cost-sharing investment from industry over the next three years. The projects will achieve demonstration of electric vehicles capable of 40 miles of travel before recharging and address cost barriers of electric vehicles. The announcement was made by Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Andy Karsner. ...
... "The projects selected will be developed between Fiscal Years 2008-11 and demonstrated in geographically diverse regions to identify performance, operation, and fuel economy in a real-world environment. The goal is to develop PHEVs that can be mass produced, compete effectively in the marketplace, and substantially reduce petroleum consumption by offering fuel flexibility to American consumers. DOE’s funding for these projects, which is subject to Congressional appropriations, will be combined with an industry cost share of 50 percent. " ...
Via Department of Energy: $30 Million for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Projects

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June 11, 2008

Lithium Battery Advancement




Second generation batteries and third generation electric vehicles are needed push the limits of usable driving range. ...
... "Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan's executive vice president for research and development, said advances in lithium-ion battery technology will dramatically boost the operating range of electric vehicles, potentially broadening their appeal. " ...
Via Wall Street Journal: New Lithium Batteries
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May 08, 2008

A123 Plug-In for Toyota Prius




Plug-In LogoA123 Systems has developed a Plug-In conversion kit for the Toyota Prius.  While not developed by Toyota - nor approved by Toyota - here are the details!

By inserting another battery between the normal (small) battery and the coToyota Priusmputer control systems the Prius is tricked to keep running on battery as there is more battery power.  This additional battery boost can carry many people through their daily commute ... allowing them to power the car mostly by electric from their home.

A123 Plug-in Battery for Prius " ... ... half of the cars in the U.S. are driven just 25 miles a day or less....Plug-in Conversion Modules enable your vehicle to achieve outstanding fuel economy by electrically supplementing the hybrid drive train for up to 40 miles. When the Hymotion L5 module is fully depleted, your vehicle will function as a standard hybrid until you recharge."

" ... plug your car into your house using an extension cord and a standard 120V outlet. Your L5 module will be fully charged when you are ready to go in the morning. ..."

 

Via:  A123 Systems   Link

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April 10, 2008

Th!nk Electric Cars from Norway




Th!nk Car

Once part of the Ford Motor Company, Th!nk is now an electric car manufacturer. Th!nk car

The Parent Company is called Th!nk Global " ... as its owners want to explore new forms of a global technology partnership for local manufacturing of the Th!nk City ...."

oN THE HORIZON FOR tH!NK:

" ... become even more modular, allowing different options and energy sources,"

" ... a hybrid with a supplementary fuel cell, and a module that runs on biofuels."

" ... manufacturing that is modular and decentralized, ... The THINK can be built in an efficient way even in small assembly plants, as 80% of the car’s cost are supplier linked: Coordinating the purchase on behalf of many locally owned plants can drastically reduce the cost of all."
 
 
Via:  Th!nk Global   Link 

 

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April 08, 2008

FMC Positioned for Electric Vehicle Battery Future




FMC Corporation is profiled as a good investment for the future based on its market position in battery technology. ...
... "Lithium Ion batteries make it the de-facto battery of choice for next generation battery electric vehicles [BEV], fuel-cell vehicles [FCV], and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles [PHEV]. " ...
Via Seeking Alpha: Future of Battery Technology

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March 26, 2008

Electric Cars and Wind are like Peas and Carrots




Shai's picture unites electric car with wind power to make a perfect match for electrons. ...
... "Electric cars and windmills are the most complementary products in the green world. Windmills generate a lot more energy at night, as wind picks up when the air cools down. " ...
Via Shai Agassi's Long Tailpipe: The Virtual Oil Field

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March 13, 2008

Electric Car Infrastructure




Shai Agassi on the infrastructure for electric vehicles ...

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February 12, 2008

Israel Promoting Electric Cars




 

 Israel embraces electric cars!
 

"The Israeli government announced a major initiative to push the nation’s drivers toward electric cars ... the Israeli attempt ... aligns policy makers and a major car company with an outfit prepared to build hundreds of thousands of electric charging stations across the country. ..."I

" ... Renault-Nissan will manufacture the cars and Better Place, a California start-up founded by former SAP executive Shai Agassi, will build the infrastructure, ...A few hundred vehicles are expected to be on the road by 2009, with production scaled to the mass market by 2011. On Jan. 13, Israel slashed the tax rate on cars powered by electricity to 10% in order to encourage consumers to buy the vehicles once they are available."

 

Via:  IsRealli - The State of Israel Official Blog  Link

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January 24, 2008

Simple Explanation of Electric Car Infrastructure




Not sure how electric vehicles can replace gas-powered cars and lower greenhouse gas emissions? Check out this simple explanation of Project Better Place, a novel idea for an electric car infrastructure. ...

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January 22, 2008

Renault Nissan Commits to Pure Electric Vehicles




Renault-Nissan commits to Project Better Place and the delivery of an electric vehicle with volume production within three years. ...
... "We had a car-maker, the fourth largest one in the world, that committed to Pure Electric Vehicles (EV) as a mass-market product. Not only are they committed, they have allocated the funds required to develop such vehicle, for the needs of the country where we will start. " ...
Via Shai Agassi's Long Tailpipe: Transformation

Continue reading "Renault Nissan Commits to Pure Electric Vehicles" »

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December 30, 2007

Think Electric Car Vid




Here's video of the Think electric car ...



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Think Electric Vehicle Starts Production




The Think electric vehicle starts production. The company leadership has deep bench strength. And, there has been a fair amount of investment in the research and development of the electric car by previous owners. The battery powered vehicle has a range of 180 kilometers, or over 100 miles. ...
... "We believe that electric cars are a macro trend, and their use will grow very fast, and for a long time," says Mr Bjorseth. " ...
Via Financial Times Deutschland: Race for Electric Cars
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November 14, 2007

New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green




 New York Governor's Mansion

"Silda Wall Spitzer, ... wants to turn the governor's mansion ... into a modern model of energy efficiency ... “Greening the Mansion” will cut its electrical energy consumption by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half.solar panels

Highlights include:

* solar panels
* a fuel cell to  replace back up dielsel powered generator
* energy efficient appliances

Via:  TreeHugger.com   Link

 

Continue reading "New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green" »

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November 06, 2007

Tesla Roadster Electric Car Closeup




Here's closeup of the Tesla Roadster by Veronica Belmont, a stylish electric vehicle. It achieves 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds. The video shows the car, its charging mechanism (charging occurs in three to four hours), and a test drive. ...



Via Mahalo Daily: Tesla

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October 29, 2007

Creating the Electric Vehicle Foundation




Shai Agassi creates company that will build the foundation, or recharging infrastructure, for electric vehicles. Recharging can be accomplished by plugging-into the grid or through battery exchange. Pilots are planned as early as 2008 with initial focus on taxis and delivery vehicles. A subscription model is envisioned for payment. ...
... "The company will deploy the regional and global infrastructure to support electric vehicles on a country by country basis. Project Better Place will establish a widespread grid of electric charging spots at current parking locations as well as battery exchange stations through software systems integration. These capabilities will provide consumers with the energy to keep their cars charged and driving without the need to wait for electricity at any point. The new grid presents a practical solution to address barriers to electric vehicle adoption. " ...
Project Better Place

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September 30, 2007

Solar Fox Test




Team SolarFox ...
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June 06, 2007

GM Pursues Battery Development For Chevy Volt




GM awards contracts for battery development to CPI and Continental Auto Systems to power its Chevy Volt, electric car.  CPI was formed in 2000 to become the supplier of choice for state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology for automotive and industrial applications.  The Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG covers the full range of systems and specializes in the GM Battery Contracts Awardeddevelopment of innovative technologies for vehicles.  ...

... "GM selected two companies out of the 13 technical proposals it considered to provide advanced lithium batteries for both range-extender electric and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture. The E-Flex electric vehicle architecture underpins the Chevy Volt concept car shown earlier this year and is being developed as part of GM's strategy to diversify transportation away from petroleum. One contract will go to lithium-ion battery supplier Compact Power, Inc., based in Troy, Mich. CPI is a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem. A second contract has been awarded to Frankfurt, Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G., a tier one automotive supplier that will develop lithium-ion battery packs. GM continues to assess other solutions to quickly bring lithium-ion batteries to production.

These suppliers demonstrated solutions that best met the specific energy, power, mass and durability requirements for the battery in the E-Flex range-extender variant. The battery for the fuel-cell variant requires half the energy and power, but must be integrated and connected to the vehicle in a similar way. " ...

Via GM: Advanced Development Battery Contracts For Chevrolet Volt E-Flex System

 

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April 10, 2007

Battery Research For PHEVs




DOE funds research on batteries for PHEVs. ...
... "DOE and USABC seek to identify electrochemical storage technologies capable of meeting or approaching USABC's criteria for performance, weight, life-cycle, and cost. Other considerations include the potential to commercialize proposed battery technologies and bring them to market quickly. DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program leads the Department’s efforts to bring PHEVs to market and works with industry to develop advanced transportation technologies that will reduce the nation’s use of imported oil. The development of a lower cost, high-energy battery has been identified as a critical pathway toward commercialization of PHEVs. " ...

Via Department of Energy: $14 Million to Develop Advanced Batteries for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Goals for Advanced Battery Development for Plug-in Electric Vehicles: "In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), USABC will award contracts to developers selected that have electrochemical energy storage technologies capable of meeting or approaching USABC's performance, weight, life-cycle and price criteria, plus near- and long-term technical readiness goals for high power-to-energy-ratio and high energy-to-power-ratio batteries, respectively. "

 

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March 26, 2007

GM Committed to Chevy Volt Concept




Bob Lutz expresses his committment to the Chevy Volt concept and maintaining a open dialogue on the challenges of development. ...
... "We are 100 percent committed to making this happen. We are invigorated by the Chevy Volt Concept Carchallenge. We are going to continue to be as transparent as we can in this process, knowing that there are some proprietary technology issues we will have to keep veiled. " ...

Via GM FastLane Blog: GM Charging Ahead with Volt

 

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January 27, 2007

Hybrid Electric Plug-In: Chevy Volt Video




Chevrolet Volt Concept Demonstration. This video is meant to show how the Volt can be plugged in/out from a standard electrical outlet in a home. ...
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January 25, 2007

Ford Escape Hybrid Electric Video




Ford Unveils World's First Drivable Fuel Cell Hybrid on Video ...
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January 08, 2007

Ford Airstream Concept Car: Plug-In Hydrogen Fuel Cell




Ford and Airstream join forces to present a concept crossover car that operates in pure electric mode with the Ballard hydrogen fuel cell recharging its lithium-ion batteries to enable a total range of approximately 300 miles.  ...

... "The concept is powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell drivetrain - called HySeries Drive - that operates under electric power at all times. This advanced fuel cell system is half the weight and cost of today’s fuel cells and can operate in the dead of winter. That's a major step forward because today's fuel cells don’t do well when the mercury dips below freezing. Ford Airstream Concept

The concept's bold, futuristic front-end explores a new look for Ford, encapsulating the single-surface grille and headlamps into the same graphic. Each of the concept's bold orange-trimmed window graphics is a unique shape.

The Ford Airstream Concept features a floating instrument panel with flush-mounted, touch-sensitive controls and a multi-function single gauge display provides the driver all primary information.  A Sharp dual-view screen centrally mounted on the instrument panel provides a camera view and secondary driver-oriented information, while allowing the front-seat passenger to view DVDs and post mobile blogs. The driver and front-seat passenger will navigate in style in modern, pod-shaped swiveling captain’s chairs that also rotate so they can easily socialize.

Tucked inside the cocoon-like lounge in the rear of the Ford Airstream Concept is the ultimate entertainment source – a 360-degree viewing screen. The focal point of the passenger area, this innovative screen can be viewed from every seating position in the car – even the front seats, when they swivel around toward the conversation pit.

The new HySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen fuel cell featured in the Ford Airstream Concept is more than a concept.  This powertrain is already on the road and driving in a Ford Edge prototype. Ford scientists and engineers created this vehicle with partial funding from the United States Department of Energy. The HySeries Drive delivers the combined city / highway equivalent fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon.  In this application, the fuel cell's sole function is to recharge the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack as needed. This allows it to work like a portable generator, instead of an engine, as had been the case in previous Ford fuel cell vehicles. " ...

Via Ford Motor Company: TWO AMERICAN ICONS DELIVER THE CROSSOVER MODEL OF THE FUTURE WITH THE FORD AIRSTREAM CONCEPT

The Ford Airstream Concept was developed by the following team members, led by J Mays, group vice president – Design, and chief creative officer.  Peter Horbury, executive director - Design, The Americas,  Freeman Thomas, director - North America Strategic Design,  David Woodhouse - chief designer,  Kris Tomasson - chief designer,  Jordan Bennett - exterior design manager,  Matt Edwards - interior design manager

 

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January 07, 2007

Electric Car: Chevy Volt




Chevy Volt uses range extending technology to recharge the batteries as its goes. The concept extends to any type of hybrid vehicle.  The Chevrolet Volt is charged by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet for six hours per day. A fully charged battery will enable the Volt to deliver 40 city miles of electric-only vehicle range. When the battery is fully depleted, a 1-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine creates electricity and replenishes the battery. This increases the fuel economy and range.
 ...
... "For instance, we've added a range extender using a system we call E-Flex. General Motors Chevy VoltBasically, it works by using the onboard engine to generate additional energy for the battery. On a long trip, this system would continually charge the batteries, even after the initial battery range is passed. The range extender can be used with any type of onboard engine, whether it is powered by gasoline, ethanol, electricity or hydrogen — hence the Flex in E-Flex. This system will make the Volt the most versatile electric car when it comes out, virtually eliminating gasoline use for those who only take their cars for short distances ... " ...

Via GM FastLane Blog: GM Presents Chevy Volt Concept: A New Kind of Electric Car

 

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December 09, 2006

Electric Vehicle Launch: Electrum Spyder




Universal Electric Vehicle will launch their Electrum Spyder vehicle today. Universal Electric Vehicle Corporation (U.E.V.) mission is to design, engineer, and manufacture alternative fuel vehicles (AFV's). See video interview of UEV's CEO ...

 

Via Netscape and AutoblogGreen ...

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December 06, 2006

Reva Electric Car Investment




Reva, India's electric car company based in Bangalore, receives $20M investment from Draper Fisher ventural capital and the Global Environment Fund to support its strategy for global growth and expansion.  Reva differentiates itself as a city car and has cultivated a recognized brand in the automotive market segment for electric vehicles.  ... Reva Eletric Car
... "Reva is beginning to get global recognition and is among the pioneers in the electric car market. It will use this investment to expand its business by increasing its production capacity, developing newer models and further enhancing its international and domestic distribution. " ...
Via India Times: Read
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October 24, 2006

Hybrid Diesel-Electric Commercial Bus




Another hybrid electric bus announcement ...
... "IC Corporation announced today at the BusCon Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago that it is launching a new line of hybrid commercial buses. The innovative new buses can be powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines that provide significant improvement in fuel efficiency. " ...
Via Enova: IC CORPORATION LAUNCHES HYBRID COMMERCIAL BUS LINE THAT PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL EFFICIENCY ...
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October 06, 2006

Hybrid Electric Powertrain: Ford E-Series ...




Azure Dynamics partners with Ford Motor to develop hybrid electric powertrain for Ford's E-series commercial vehicles.  ...Ford E-Series

...   "Azure is responsible for the development of the parallel hybrid electric gasoline system that will be applied to Ford's E-series commercial vehicles. Azure will be the Azure Hybrid Electric PowertrainsVehicle Modifier and will complete the hybrid modification on the E-350 and E-450 commercial chassis. Ford, as the OEM of the incomplete commercial vehicles, will provide Azure with assistance to facilitate the development of the hybrid electric powertrain. "   ...

Via Azure Dynamics: Azure Dynamics Announces Agreement with Ford Motor Company ...

Eaton Trucks has experience with development of hybrid electric powertrains ...

Eaton Trucks: Hybrid Electric Powertrain Systems: "Because hybrid systems comply with emissions regulations while reducing fuel consumption and improving drivability, they possess great appeal for both the light- and medium-duty market segments. "

Eaton supplied Fedex with hybrid powertrain system to create a more efficient delivery truck ...

Fedex: Innovative Technology Produces Hybrid Electric Powertrain: "Eaton's hybrid-electric powertrain effectively combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on current operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine replaces the six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery vehicle. The engine size is reduced because of the added power provided by the electric motor. A particulate trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions. "

GM's hybrid-electric systems are driving emissions reduction in mass transit ...

General Motors: Hybrid Buses: "GM is also applying hybrid technology to mass transit operations across North America.  The state-of-the-art buses, powered by an advanced hybrid-electric powertrain developed by our Allison Transmission division, dramatically reduce emissions from the diesel engine – an environmental plus in Southern California and other metropolitan locations across the United States. Referred to as the EP System, the hybrid-electric powertrain is a strong parallel hybrid architecture that is scaleable for various medium- to heavy-duty vehicle platforms. "

 

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September 24, 2006

Electric Hybrid Vehicles: Plug-In Outlook ...




The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy releases report on plug-in hybrid vehicles and their role in making America energy efficient.  ...

...   "Plug-in hybrid vehicles could contribute greatly to reducing automobile oil consumption and emissions, but reaching those goals requires major progress in key areas. According to a report released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the environmental and economic appeal of plug-in hybrid vehicles will Plug-in Partnersdepend heavily upon cleaner power sources and further battery advances. The report, Plug-In Hybrids: An Environmental and Economic Outlook, examines the benefits of plug-ins relative to today's hybrids.  It finds that greenhouse gas emissions reductions associated with a plug-in powered by today's electric grid would be about 15% on average across the nation, ranging from 32% using California electricity to zero using Upper Midwest electricity. "   ...

Via ACEEE: Plug-Ins Promising - But Better Batteries, Cleaner Power Plants Essential ...

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July 26, 2006

Stylish Electric Vehicle: Tesla Motors Roadster ...




Electric vehicle combines style and technology to deliver efficiency ...

...   "Using a unique two-speed electrically actuated manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster's power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.  The Roadster's Energy Storage System (ESS) provides power to the entire vehicle, including the motor. Its durable, tamper-resistant enclosure includes: 6,831 lithium-ion cells, a network of microprocessors for maintaining charge balance and battery temperature, a cooling system, and an independent safety system designed to disconnect power outside the enclosure under a variety of detectable safety situations.  Tesla Roadster Electric Vehicle

The Tesla Roadster comes complete with its Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), a home-based charging system, which features an automatic safety disconnect system and can charge the Tesla Roadster in approximately 3.5 hours. An optional mobile charging kit is also available.  The Tesla Roadster has a range of up to 250 miles (EPA Highway) on a single charge, roughly triple the range of previous mass-produced electric vehicles. "   ...

Stylish Electric Vehicle: Tesla Motors Roadster: Via Tesla Motors: Tesla Motors Hosts World Debut Of Tesla Roadster: Offering Performance, Style & Efficiency — With A Conscience  ...

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July 24, 2006

Electric Vehicle Battery Technology ...




The Deputy First Minister, Nicol Stephen, recognizes Axeon Power's innovative battery technology that contributes to the development of electric vehicles.  ...   Electric Smart Car will be produced ...

...   "The Dundee-based company is working with ITI Energy and Aberdeen-based Axeon Technologies to develop a novel battery management system that will substantially help to improve the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles.  Globally new clean energy technologies are considered to be a vital part of environmental sustainability and electric cars have a large part to play in reducing carbon emissions. Last week Ford announced a commitment to invest GBP1bn to explore alternative engine technologies and at the London Motor Show, Daimler Chrysler launched an electric version of its Smart car. "   ...

Electric Vehicle Battery Technology: Via Axeon Ltd: Dundee company on the road to a greener future ...

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