Share

Guest blog by Cara Miale
March 23, 2011

As if we don’t have enough phobias already, now there is range anxiety, a malady brought on by the electric car. But it’s okay; there is a cure, or rather an app for that.

Studies indicate that many electric car drivers – and those considering joining the ranks – suffer the fear of running out of power and being stranded with a dead battery. A little planning ahead could take the pressure off; there are an estimated 1,400 vehicle charging stations in the United States today and the number is growing. Even though most people drive less than the 100 miles a day allowed by many EV’s, range anxiety remains a logistical – and largely psychological – impediment to widespread electric vehicle adoption by consumers. One 2010 study showed range anxiety even caused EV drivers to modify their driving behaviors, decreasing the travel range and limiting most trips to no more than 25 miles.

Several companies have stepped up to ease the pain. The navigation system in the new electric Ford Focus finds electrical charging stations nearby and can help the driver conserve power by suggesting turning off the A/C or taking a more leisurely route. Google Maps, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently added electric vehicle charging stations to its popular platform, allowing users to search for and pinpoint more than 600 charging stations.

PlugShare, a new free app from Xatori, goes one step further with a personal touch: users can find home charging stations close by, and even list their own as a safe-haven for range-anxious drivers. PlugShare works with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, and you don’t need an EV or a special outlet to join. Accounts are customizable; those who wish to share can list their name, number and address as well as what types of energy they have available and where to find it (like the garage). The integrated app uses handy icons to identify private and public standard outlets, EV plugs and charging stations. With just a few clicks, you can identify the nearest charging station, call or text the person who listed it, and get directions. PlugShare hopes to launch a study of the app’s impact on the environment so users can celebrate the positive impact they’re making, not unlike other resource-sharing models like Denver B-cycle (members can track their miles ridden, calories burned, carbon off-set and money saved – and compare their stats to other members of the B-cycle community).

PlugShare’s website even encourages those without EVs to join the community: “Sooner or later an EV owner may ask to charge at your outlet, and you’ll be able to talk to a real person (not a dealer or a salesman) to find out if an EV is right for you!”

With President Obama’s goal to have one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015, community-building applications like PlugShare may bring the unintended benefits: more folks who get to know their neighbors. And, it could mean the end of the EV car salesman as we know him.

Cara Miale is a freelance writer in Denver.

Article source: www.RealEnergyWriters.com

Share

The past decade has been the most significant ten-year period for EVs since the first ten years of the 20th century, when 38 percent of cars in 1900 were charging up, many with the aid of Thomas Edison-designed electric technology.

The renewed excitement that EVs garnered among car makers in the late 1990s gave way to…almost nothing. But in the past few years, EVs have suddenly been reborn, and they’re now becoming a central aspect of development strategy for major car manufacturers. (Just today, Tesla Motors said that cheaper batteries will mean its $57,000 Model S sedan, which uses cells like those in laptops, can turn a profit with fewer unit sales).

We recently showed a timeline of GE’s own research and experiments with EVs over the last 40 years. And in 2010, we’ve seen our own work accelerate in new battery breakthroughs for trucks and buses; partnerships with tech leaders such as battery-maker A123 Systems and battery-switching pioneer Better Place; a new battery factory being built in upstate New York, purchases of EVs on a fleet-wide scale; sleek new WattStation EV chargers; and even advanced R&D into electric flight — just to name a few.

read more here

Share

Wow this is a huge commitment by GE to get into EV’s for their fleet of corp[orate vehicles. Initiatives like this speak loud in the marketplace. Plus the stimulation is gives to the manufacturer’s to be able to build out a fleet is big.

GE Announces Largest Single Electric Vehicle Commitment, Commits to Convert Half of Global Fleet by 2015

FAIRFIELD, Conn.–GE (NYSE: GE) announced today it will purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for its own fleet and through its Capital Fleet Services business – the largest-ever single electric vehicle commitment.

“By electrifying our own fleet, we will accelerate the adoption curve, drive scale, and move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.”

GE will convert at least half of its 30,000 global fleet and will partner with fleet customers to deploy a total of 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015. GE will initially purchase 12,000 GM vehicles, beginning with the Chevrolet Volt in 2011, and will add other vehicles as manufacturers expand their electric vehicle portfolios. GE and its partners will use a mix of electric vehicle technologies to meet their respective needs. Chevrolet Volts will roll off production lines this month and other automakers are bringing electric vehicles to market. As this occurs, GE is in a strong position to help deploy the supporting infrastructure to help its 65,000 global fleet customers convert and manage their fleets.

GE owns one of the world’s largest fleets, operates a leading global fleet management business, and offers a portfolio of product solutions including charging stations, circuit protection equipment and transformers that touch every part of electric vehicle infrastructure development. This enables GE to lead wide-scale electric vehicle adoption and generate growth for its businesses.
More on Huge Electric Vehicle Investment

Share

BMW Announces Markets for BMW ActiveE Field Trial

New York Metro and Greater Los Angeles will again be included and be joined by Metropolitan markets of San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Boston

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 23, 2010… Later today at Opportunity Green in Los Angeles, BMW will announce the markets which will participate in the BMW ActiveE field trial when it begins in summer 2011. The New York metro market and the Greater Los Angeles Area will again play key roles. In Southern California, the metropolitan market of San Diego will be included. Northern California will be included in the BMW ActiveE field trial with the Greater San Francisco and Sacramento areas. In addition to select markets in Connecticut, Boston will provide new opportunities to gain experience in this trial.

The BMW ActiveE field trial will build on the success and experience gained during the MINI E field trial, now in its second year. Experience gained in this second-phase trial will prepare the BMW Group for the launch of its purpose-designed Megacity Vehicle in 2013.

“We were the first automaker to put 450 electric vehicles on US roads for daily use. We have gained so much insight into living with an EV with our MINI E pioneers over the last year,” said Rich Steinberg, Manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy for BMW of North America. “Partners like the City of New York’s Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison have also been critical to the success of the program. We’re looking forward to working with more drivers in more markets to build on our base of experience as we get ready for the launch of the Megacity Vehicle, and we look forward to even greater collaboration with the BMW ActiveE.”

“In addition to our existing and new pioneers in each of these markets, we are looking forward to working with our new strategic partners: the City of San Francisco Department of Transportation, San Francisco Clean Cities Coalition, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston, San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Northeast Utilities and subsidiary Connecticut Light & Power, Sacramento Municipal Utilities District and New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition,” added Steinberg.

The BMW ActiveE field trial is set to begin in Summer 2011.

BMW ActiveE: the next phase of the BMW Group’s ongoing EV development

A glimpse of the BMW ActiveE was first seen with the Concept ActiveE at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2010. Based on the chassis of a BMW 1 Series Coupe it features a newly developed electric drive train and a lithium-ion batterylithium-ion battery-packed developed in cooperation with SB-LiMotive. It offers four passenger seating and approximately seven cubic-feet of luggage capacity.

The vehicle concept and drive system provide the agility and dynamic acceleration performance which are characteristic of the BMW 1 Series Coupe. Based on realistic simulations, the sprint from 0-60 mph requires approximately 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicle is electronically limited at around 90 mph.

The lithium-ion battery pack specially developed for this vehicle supplies energy to the motor and all other functions of the BMW Concept ActiveE. For the first time, storage cells are used which were developed especially for use in automobiles by the BMW Group in collaboration with the cooperation partner SB LiMotive. The aim is to use the best available technology in the area of energy storage as part of the development of the Megacity Vehicle. The lithium-ion batteries of the BMW Concept ActiveE have their own liquid cooling system and intelligent battery management system, which are key elements in increasing both the storage capacity and the durability of the battery cells. These systems also ensure that the long range can be maintained largely independent of external climatic conditions. The storage system developed for the BMW Concept ActiveE enables a real-world range of about 100 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions.

The climate control systems developed for the BMW Concept ActiveE can also be activated via smartphone. This option includes a timer function so the driver can ensure that the vehicle is conveniently pre-cooled or pre-heated before getting into it in the morning, for example. Climatic pre-conditioning optimizes not only ride comfort but also the operating status of the energy storage system in the sense that it maximises the range of the vehicle. The control of the heating and air conditioning system by mobile phone is made available through BMW ConnectedDrive. The BMW Concept ActiveE demonstrates the extensive range of options for using these services with the full integration of a smartphone connection into the vehicle infotainment system.

A future-oriented technology which runs across all brands: electro-mobility as a mainstay of EfficientDynamics.

With the BMW ActiveE, the BMW Group demonstrates the continuation of its project i research and development activities geared towards achieving emissions-free mobility independent of fossil fuels. It builds on the significant experience that had already been gained through the MINI E field trial which recently entered its second year.

The BMW Group is developing electro-mobility as an additional central mainstay of its EfficientDynamics strategy. Electric drive provides an additional option for individual mobility, alongside the ongoing optimization of the pure combustion engine, the market launch of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in production vehicles and the BMW Hydrogen 7 as evidence of the suitability of hydrogen drive for everyday use.

Project i brings together the BMW Group’s activities relating to the development of production vehicles with electric drive. The focus is on the conception of a production Megacity Vehicle which fulfils the requirements of a sustainable mobility solution for urban areas, with one option being electric drive.

The BMW ActiveE field trial will begin in summer 2011 leading up to the Megacity Vehicle in 2013.

There have been so many shows out there that are made for kids, remember the ones with cars in them? Lets just say you would have bad credit car leasing for featuring in one of these toons.

Wacky Races

This has to be one of my all time favourite cartoons and it actually featured 11 cars with over twenty recurring characters from the infamous Dick Dastardly and Mutley to the innocent Penelope Pitstop. All of the cars could do something to try and insure that they won the race, they all had their tricks. Dastardly was always the one that never won the race because he was cheating but if you watch it back you will see the others are just as bad. These guys really needed some cheap van leasing.

Batman

The reason that this one has to be put into this is because the batmobile has taken so many different forms. On top of this you have vehicles like batboat, batcopter, batcycle, batplane and batman’s subway rocket. Batman has used all of these vehicles in the past but the one he always comes back to is the batmobile. The batmobile seems to be the one thing that has changed the most in batman over the years.

The Flintstones

I never got why Fred and Barney didn’t just walk in this show because they were running in the car anyway. 1960-66 is when the original series was actually run from and this year marks a massive 50 years. The stone age is where the show is based and the town in which it all takes place in was known as Bedrock. Barney’s voice was provided by the fantastic Mel Blanc.

So why not get your own car or van, look into van leasing.

Although buying a private used car could save you a lot of money up front, if you buy the wrong car, it could literally drain your bank account in repair cost.

In addition to the points listed below, I have compiled a group of videos which covers a lot more details on what to look out for when considering the purchase of a private used cars.

Nowadays, life can be really hard. Everything is increasing with prices escalating out of cotrol! This makes us all targets of potential scams and frauds.

With all these swindlers and scammers lurking about everywhere you go, it really is best to be on guard and to know the things to be avoided to be able to prevent the probability of becoming a victim of frauds and swindles.

Subsequently, individuals who are used cars should also be aware of the different fraudulent activities being employed by unscrupulous people so as to have the best buy of used cars.

If, for example you buy a used car that turns out to be stolen, you could be held liable.

Here are some things to avoid when buying private used car:

1. Used car buyers ought to steer clear of any transactions which might be “too excellent to be true. This will only make the matter worst if the buyer will believe that the deal is the best used car deal ever.

2. Buyers must keep away from buying used cars from sellers that don’t provide a permanent address or the actual place of work with the phone number given.

3. It’s essential for a buyer to check on the VIN or the vehicle identification number plate. It ought to be securely fastened onto the dashboard, with no rivets which can be loosened.

Loosened rivets would mean that the VIN plate doesn’t fit or it has been previously removed.

4. Also, the buyer need to also avoid| buying used cars that have VIN plates which have been touched up, its paint is newly retouched, and the numbers look as if they are not the original “factory numbers.

VIN plates might be easily swapped by a thief and use those which can be taken from a demolished vehicle.

5. As much as possible, it would be better to keep away from purchasing a used car that’s freshly painted. There are instances wherein the stolen car identity is being changed through changing its paint color.

6. Used car buyers should avoid buying cars from a seller that cannot present the cars “insurance policy. This could mean the car is stolen or the seller is not the true owner of the car.

It really is extremely important for the buyers to take note of these things before buying a used car. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

Read helpful info in the sphere of detail – make sure to study the web site. The times have come when proper info is really only one click of your mouse, use this chance.

Want a screaming fast motorcycle that is green too? Does that sound like a contradiction? Well not anymore. Thanks to the entrepreneur behind the world’s first zero-emissions motorcycle race is back with a limited-edition competition-caliber electric superbike we’ll see on the track next year.

The Mavizen TTX02 unveiled Tuesday in Las Vegas marries top-shelf components and racy styling with a lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors in a package Mavizen says can do 130 mph. Azhar Hussain built it to provide a ready-made machine that anyone can ride in the 2010 TTXGP, the second running of the green grand prix he launched this year.

“It’s a competitive platform to start developing and tweaking,” Azhar Hussain said. “This is about giving everybody access to the best tools so they can go racing and have a stab at making history.”

From Mavizen:

The Mavizen TTX02 is the world’s first production electric supersport bike. With a number of world first feature combined with the proven chassis from a world class manufacturer and drive train from the Isle of Man TT winning Agni bike; the TTX02 is a limited opportunity to procure a platform for development and racing across the entire TTXGP road racing programme. The TTX02 chassis is FIM homologated for racing and ships with a valid VIN number for registration in your local jurisdiction.

* First motorsport vehicle in the world to ship with integrated IP connectivity
* Core operating system is open source Linux
* USB based system bus allows virtually unlimited number of peripherals to extend the capabilities of the machine with plug’n’play
* Remote factory support package available
* Swappable drive train and batteries at trackside. Common chassis for multiple racing series.
* Multiple configurations available depending on the racing series.
* Built on a homologated, world class chassis
* Drive train developed from the TTXGP Isle of Man 2009 Champion
* Strictly limited numbers.

Electric Vehicles ATX
A new generation of electric vehicles exists that is able to put in the field performances that are on a par with and in certain contests superior to the conventional diesel or petrol vehicles of the same category.

It is the case of the ATX E series, professional electrical vehicles designed to be used in the hardest and most demanding conditions, with loading capacity up to 1.000Kg and towing capacity up to 3.000Kg.

The E series of Alkè electric vehicles is made up of the:

· electric vehicles ATX100E and ATX200E
· electric vehicle ATX200E AR for waste collecting
· electric vehicle ATX280E

Alkè electrical vehicles combine silence and zero pollution to a real working capacity. It is not by chance that a growing number of sectors are starting conversion procedures of almost their entire fleet of vehicles to high performance electric vehicles such as the ATX E.

It makes a real difference being able to move and operate without limits of time or space within residential areas, tourist structures, parks and golf clubs, just as in areas within civil or commercial airports, without disturbing visitors or operators residing in these areas.

These vehicles have separate excitation engines with maximum torque at zero revs and smooth distribution, which prevents skidding and loss of grip also on high risk land-types (sand, snow or ice) and guarantee start-up in ascent with hesitation.
Thanks to their special engines and the particular control electronics, the ATX E raise the power, if necessary, by 6kW (8CV) nominal to a peak of17.5-20kW (24-27CV) to allow operations even in the presence of uneven land and 30% slopes.
The autonomy on standard routes is about 70-90Km, which corresponds to an entire working day even many repeated stops are required for frequent load-unload operations.

The electric ATXs have an energy recovery motor brake system, which in the stopping phase prevents all waste of power and wear of the brakes.

The complete re-charge of the battery set, normally carried out during the night, takes place using the high frequency battery-charger present on the machine, this means it can be connected anywhere there is a common mains socket without being restrained to fixed bases.

The special battery chargers used by the ATX E guarantee a greater number of charges with respect to the technologies commonly used (greater number of charges = longer life of the battery set = saving of management costs). It is not necessary to wait for the battery to be totally flat before re-charging it, the so-called “memory effect” present in other lower sectors is not found here.

The investment for an ATX E is re-paid in average terms by the maintenance costs, which are must lower if compared with equivalent diesel and petrol vehicles: maintenance is almost inexistent and there are noteworthy savings in fuel consumption. For an entire day’s work the cost for the complete charging of the battery sets is less than 1.5 – 2 euro.
It is important to know that the technical life, in working hours, of an electrical vehicle of this type is generally double, if not triple, with respect to a conventional fuel vehicle.

As the world is continuously struggling to fight global warming and other environment pollutants, technological innovations which are environmental friendly are gaining prominence. Different approaches taken to tackle these issues and utilize green energy, currently focus mainly on wind energy and hence wind turbines, solar energy , and even the use of the stirling engine. You may be thinking that these are strategies and methodologies which have to be adopted by the government and you can really do nothing about it.

This is untrue! There are now endless ways of applying green energy innovatively. In fact I shall show you briefly what you can be doing to be part of the Green Cycle which enhances not only society but also your lifestyle! In fact I shall soon show you how you could be making use of green energy to benefit personally. How about if I asked you: “Would you like to unplug your house from the electric grid and start living 100% on green energy? Would you want to save up to $200 per month and make the Electric Company pay you instead of you paying them?

I guess I already know the answer…YES! alternative energy will show you step by step methods that can be used by anyone who wants to generate his own electricity. So if you have ever wished to stop wasting money on your electricity bills and want to help save global economy and the Earth, you are on the right page. There are numerable ways as I have already explained , to produce alternative energy. However most of the products you find will not be suitable to produce the electricity needed to be used domestically.

They cost way too much for you to afford and can only be used corporately. Else, you’ll find some companies which have developed products for generating home wind power or solar power or both but they cost thousands of dollars excluding installation.

This is why I have developed the best deals which you can use to build in your own garage for just a few dollars! I’ve made loads of tests and spent loads of money to make sure you can be making use of the most effective ways to produce heaps of energy. All you need to do is apply it and start benefiting immediately. You are able to use between two types of electricity generators. These are solar based or wind based.

You could even combine both and form a home made Power Generation Plant. At the green-energy-earth.com site you’ll get instructions on what is best to build based on geographical location and the size of your house. Step by step diagrams are also available in manuals to make the building of your system easier. What’s more, you’re going to have the time of your life building it! One other amazing way of benefiting from alternative energy and helping in the earth salvation, is by learning how to effectively convert your gasoline car to an electric car.

Are you willing to reduce pollution, increase your mileage, eliminate fuel costs and be proud to drive your own personally converted electric car? Visit electric vehicle to read more about converting your car to an EV.

Get valuable experiences to auto loan calculator – your own tips store.

As the world is in a continuous struggle to fight global warming and other environment pollutants, technological innovations which are environmental friendly are gaining prominence. Different approaches taken to tackle these issues and utilize Renewable Energy, currently focus mainly on wind energy and hence wind turbines, photovoltaic cells , and even the use of the stirling engine.

You may be thinking that these are strategies and methodologies which have to be adopted by the government and you can really do nothing about it. This is untrue! There are now endless ways of applying Green energy Earth innovatively. In fact I shall show you briefly what you can be doing to be part of the Green Cycle which benefits not only society but also your lifestyle! . In fact I shall soon show you how you could be making use of Green Energy to benefit personally.

How about if I asked you: “Would you like to unplug your house from the electric grid and start living 100% on Green energy Earth? Would you want to save up to $200 per month and make the Electric Company pay you instead of you paying them? I guess I already know the answer…YES!

Collectible Energy will show you step by step methods that can be used by anyone who wants to generate his own electricity. So if you have ever wished to stop wasting money on your electricity bills and want to help save global economy and the Earth, you are on the right page.

There are numerable ways as I have already explained , to produce Renewable Energy. However most of the products you find will not be suitable to produce the electricity needed to be used domestically. They cost way too much for you to afford and can only be used corporately. Else, you’ll find some companies which have developed products for generating home wind power or solar power or both but they cost thousands of dollars excluding installation.

This is why I have developed the best deals which you can use to build in your own garage for just a few dollars!

I’ve made loads of tests and spent loads of money to make sure you can be making use of the most effective ways to produce heaps of energy. All you need to do is apply it and start benefiting immediately.

You will be able to choose between two types of electricity generators. These are solar based or wind based. You could even combine both and form a home made Power Generation Plant. At the green-energy-earth.com site you’ll get instructions on what is best to build based on geographical location and the size of your house. Step by step diagrams are also available in manuals to make the building of your system simpler . What’s more, you’re going to have the time of your life building it!

One other amazing way of benefiting from Green Energy and helping in the earth salvation, is by learning how to effectively convert your gasoline car to an Electric Car. Are you willing to reduce pollution, increase your mileage, eliminate fuel costs and be proud to drive your own personally converted EV?

Visit EV to read more about converting your car to an EV.

Access realistic tips to free website traffic – welcome to your personal knowledge base.

So yesterday we featured some news and video abut the upcoming Aptera electric car which is a real head turner on the road in that it departs from conventional car design to the point of being almost completely unique. It bears further review. So today we feature a wrap up of various videos on the Aptera development.

Aptera Electric Car Test Drive

Aptera Electric Car Test Drive.

Legally classified as a 3 wheeled motorcycle, the company claims to have pre-sold 1100 cars already.

Not much, if any, detail available on their web site regarding the electric drive system i.e. no power figure quoted for the electric motor used.

Popular Mechanics Aptera Typ-1e Testdrive

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4237853.html

Aptera – the 300 Miles Per Gallon Car

Aptera Electric Car Claims 300 Miles Per Gallon Fuel Efficiency
by David Gutierrez

(NaturalNews) Electric car maker Aptera claims that the electric-
gasoline hybrid version of its new Typ-1 vehicle gets 300 miles per
gallon. The vehicle will be available early in 2008 for less than
$30,000.

The Typ-1 comes in two versions: fully electric or hybrid. According
to Aptera, the electric model can go 120 miles on single charge, and
can be recharged from any normal 110-volt power outlet. The hybrid can
go 600 miles on a full tank, and either version of can reach top
speeds of 95 miles per hour.

The three-wheeled Typ-1 seats two in the front, in addition to a small
seat in back that can fit an infant’s car seat. If this back seat is
removed, it converts into cargo space large enough to fit, according
to the company, either 15 bags of groceries or two full-sized golf
bags.

The Typ-1 has several other features that set it apart from other
conventional, hybrid or electric vehicles. Instead of side mirrors,
the car contains embedded cameras all along the sides and back that
transmit to a screen in front of the instrument panel, displaying a
180-degree rear view. Solar panels built into the roof power a climate-
control system that is always running to keep the interior temperature
from falling too far above or below a certain point.

Safety features in the vehicle include driver and passenger side
airbags and a front-end crumple zone. The car has built-in GPS
navigation, a CD/DVD/MP3 player, and XM satellite radio, as well as a
USB port that can be used to charge mobile devices such as laptops or
MP3 players. Radio-frequency identification chips embedded in the key
and car make it so the key does not need to be inserted to open doors
or start the engine.

The Typ-1 is available for pre-order on Aptera’s web site, for a
refundable deposit of $500. At present, only California residents can
order – the company expects, however, to eventually deliver around the
country.

Aptera on abc7 Great footage!

If you’ve paid for gas lately, you’ve probably paid a record amount to top off your tank. But there’s a new car coming onto the market that reportedly costs a penny-per-mile to drive. It’s the latest “gas sipping” vehicles on the road.

Aptera CEO Steve Fambro

http://AlternativeEnergy.com’s David Kates speaks with Steve Fambro, CEO of Aptera Motors. Fambro talks about the benefits of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and the Typ-1′s design.

And finally…

An Aptera guided tour: the factory

Want to see behind the scenes at Aptera? Here’s your chance to see our current factory, the office, and some of the people behind the Typ-1.

Want to see more of the Aptera Electric Car? Well Zap Root just did one of their shows about it. We have reported on this new thoroughly modern electric car before but it i snow coming close to production status so you can get your hands on one too. Isn’t their host just so perky. How does she do that? Coffee? More on the Aptera 2e The Frontstretch: Aptera Motors Continues to Round-Out Management …

1, 2008) — As the first all-electric vehicle from Aptera Motors nears final production, the Southern California start-up continues to broaden its management team. Following his edict to hire the brightest minds from all industries, …

Aptera promo video – Dadamotive

Aptera promo video. Posted by Herman | December 08 | 2008 8:44 PM | permalink. For something completely different (and I sincerely hope they will be succesfull) a video about the Aptera. …

2008 Aptera 2e Renderings – Photo Update

Pictures, info, news, auctions and/or videos of this 2008 Aptera 2e Renderings – Photo Update.

Los Angeles Chronicle | APTERA MOTORS CONTINUES TO ROUND-OUT …

California Chronicle – The Golden State’s online magazine for national, international, state, local, entertainment, sports, and government news.

Aptera – Greenest Vehicle With Style | OnSMASH

“Five years ago, Aptera‘s founder Steve Fambro endeavored to design and build a passenger vehicle that was safe, comfortable, and more fuel-efficient than anything ever produced. This aspiration, combined with his background in …

Tracks on Aptura

Green Car Congress: Aptera Motors Unveils Electric and Plug-In … – this is the final market arrival of buckminster fuller’s Dimaxion car designed in late 40′s – 50′ s. what took us so long? I want a large aptura van please, got three little ones 6 , 4 , 1 years old, who, if they are to have a planet …

No Plug? No Deal. – Jeremiah – When I get my electric car, I’m investing in solar and wind power capture. I was somewhat disappointed that the show focused so heavily on alternative fuels instead of renewable energy and pure electric vehicles. …

The Future is Here: Aptera’s Prototype Unveiled : TreeHugger – The major drawback with an electric car is the range you can go and the time it takes to recharge the battery. This problem has already been solved if we would only let it. A company called EESTOR has developed a replacement for current …

Another state has signed on with Better Place to create an electric-car network. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle announced yesterday that Hawaii is partnering up to fuel Hawaii’s drive to lead the nation in renewable energy use, and create jobs locally.

“Attracting investments into the state is a major component of our Five-Point Action Plan to help stimulate the economy,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Today’s announcement is a significant move towards our state gaining independence from foreign oil. This public-private partnership is exactly the type of investment we have been working on as we continue to carry out our Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), moving toward the goal of 70 percent clean energy for the State of Hawaii. It highlights the importance we place on finding innovative ways to attract investments in energy technology,” Governor Lingle added.

The move is only the second of its kind announced in the nation. California announced its partnership recently to lead the way in setting up this sort of EV consortium.

Better Place plans to begin permitting for the network within the next year and begin introducing vehicles within 18 months, with mass-market availability of electric cars in 2012. Hawaii joins Israel, Denmark, Australia and California since Better Place was founded in October 2007, committed to deploying the world’s first electric car networks.

Hawaii spends up to $7 billion a year on oil imports and drivers pay some of the highest gasoline prices in the nation. The carbon produced from consumer vehicles utilizing foreign oil account for nearly 20 percent of the state’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. 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 to 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 blueprint 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. “Hawaii has made the commitment to breaking its dependence on foreign oil, and is leading the way in addressing the most important economic and energy issues facing us today.”

The arrival of Better Place Hawaii furthers the progress of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) signed in January “with the goal to meet the state’s energy needs from 70% clean energy by 2030, as well as fostering economic growth and building the workforce of the future. The state is well on its way to leading the nation to a new era of energy independence. “While oil prices have recently come down from their historic highs, we believe this volatility highlights the urgency for a transformation to renewable energies,” said Ted Liu, director of the state Department of Business, Economic development and Tourism. “As we begin to break our addiction to foreign oil, we will be a model for the rest of the nation and the world.”

See the video here

See the press conference here

In San Francisco City Hall today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with the Mayors of San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, joined together with the Bay Area Council, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and Better Place of Palo Alto to announce a sweeping plan to reinvigorate the state and region’s competitive advantage in innovative technology through public-private investments in electric vehicles and other elements of “green” infrastructure. This new approach challenges conventional assumptions that economic and environmental recovery are at odds with each other, and aligns them, instead.

“California is already a world leader in fighting global warming and promoting renewable energy,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This type of public-private partnership is exactly what I envisioned when we created the first ever low carbon fuel standard and when the state enacted the zero emissions vehicle program. This partnership is proof that by working together, we can achieve our goals of creating a healthier planet while boosting our economy at the same time.”

“The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is strongly committed to accelerating action on
climate change and we view the move to sustainable transportation as a critical step
forward for the region. As part of this commitment, we will continue our efforts to help
accelerate commercialization of EV technology, working with leading companies like
Better Place and offering EV adoption programs. Increasing the number of EVs on the road
is one of the ten action areas in our Bay Area Climate Change Compact, which we have
developed in partnership with the three Mayors here today as well as the four regional
agencies — ABAG, BAAQMD BCDC, and MTC. We look forward to driving this change in
the coming years.” — Barry Cinnamon, Board Member, Silicon Valley Leadership Group

In conjunction with the news, Better Place, the world’s leading sustainability mobility operator, announced that it would enter the US market with California as its first state, beginning in the Bay Area. Better Place will work a similar infrastructure investment model as it has in Israel, Denmark and Australia. Network planning and permitting will begin in January 2009 with infrastructure deployment beginning in 2010.

Mass market availability of electric cars is targeted for 2012, and Better Place estimates the network investment in the Bay Area will total $1 billion when the system is fully deployed. The Better Place model is an open network model built on industry standards, allowing for fixed battery and battery exchange electric vehicles to operate on the network.

“At Better Place, we believe that the systemic issues facing our country today – climate change, economic downturn and the ongoing geopolitical struggle between energy rich and energy poor nations – all tie back to our addiction to oil,” said Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO, Better Place. “We believe the successful solution includes a confluence of leadership involving California’s strength in technology and innovation coupled with Michigan’s automotive manufacturing might, with the right policy and national project leadership from Washington. We are grateful for the support from Governor Schwarzenegger, whose policies have enabled this ‘blue ocean’ opportunity. If we tackle these issues through an integrated approach among cities, states and nations, the world wins.”

“America has to end its addiction to oil and find a global solution to climate change. With
this announcement, the Bay Area truly becomes the electric vehicle capital of the United
States.” ,R. James Woolsey, Former Director, CIA & Venture Partner and Senior Advisor, VantagePoint Venture.

(never thought I would be quoting a former CIA director about electric vehicles…)

California now joins Israel, Denmark and Australia as the world’s leaders in seeking to reduce their dependence on oil.

He has always worn his passions on this sleeve and now Neil Young is doing more than singing about a cause. He is fronting a new company to encourage folks to take their old cars and retrofit them to green energy fuel, electric cars renewed. To show it off he took his prize 1959 Lincoln Continental (one of the biggest and bloated cars of all time) and converted it to a hybrid of electric and natural gas power system. Now instead of a gas guzzler he is cruising down the highway in a giant American car getting 80 miles to the gallon instead of 5 or 6.

He is debuting it today the at Salesforce.com convention in SF. He has partnered with a fellow to start up a new company, LincVolt that will take your car and covert it to this new combo of energy sources which they say is more suited to the needs of older cars than a straight electric conversion.

Here is the Lincoln in the garage.

Add into that the fact that Neil and company have also announced they are entering the XPrize contest to try and make the first 100 MPG car.

read more:

LINC VOLT ENTERS X PRIZE RACE

The Automotive X Prize, a competition for 100 MPG vehicles has been announced and the Goodwin Young “Linc Volt” team has had its “letter of intent” to participate accepted. A qualifying race will be held in 2009 and the final race from California to Washington D.C. will take place in 2010.

Linc Volt is a 2.5 ton Lincoln Continental Mk IV convertible manufactured by Ford motors in 1959. At 19.5 feet long, it was the longest car of its era. A new series-hybrid system for powering the car is in the final stages of tuning and development. Testing is scheduled for March and April.

Not sure he needs the cash prize but the results would sure be good.

Will Raise up to $1 Billion AUD to Fund Initial Network Build Out

Melbourne, Australia (Oct 22, 2008) — Better Place today announced agreements with AGL Energy and financial advisor Macquarie Capital Group to raise $1 billion (AUD) and begin deploying an electric vehicle (EV) network powered by renewable energy. The Better Place model for sustainable mobility will help Australia move toward oil independence. With the world’s seventh highest per capita rate of car ownership, the country has nearly 15 million cars on the road after adding over a million new cars last year.

Victorian Premier John Brumby said, “The Victorian Government supports any initiative that will have positive outcomes in reducing emissions in the transport sector and welcomes this innovative approach to help make broad adoption of EVs in Australia possible.”

Better Place will use its scalable model, which Israel and Denmark have adopted, to build the EV network in Australia. Macquarie will assist in business development and help raise AUD $1 billion for the network build. In support of the project, AGL will provide electricity from renewable sources to power the electric cars and enable Better Place to deliver sustainable transportation.

“As the world’s sixth largest country, our network build out in Australia will demonstrate that the Better Place model works in all countries, regardless of size,” said Shai Agassi, CEO and Founder of Better Place. “We are investing in Australia’s economy and adding jobs while helping the country take a generational leap forward toward oil independence.” Agassi added, “With our commitment to build infrastructure and the Federal Government’s $500 million Green Car Innovation Fund, there is a compelling case for automobile manufacturers to jump in and build clean, safe, affordable electric cars for Australasia and Southeast Asia.”

More on BETTER PLACE PARTNERS WITH AGL AND MACQUARIE TO BUILD ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE IN AUSTRALIA

Electric Car Conversion

Tom Hanks gives a driving tour of his converted electric car.

Want to convert your car to electric? But you think it costs too much? Well think again.

Check this out.

This from Wired Mag:

You might want to think twice about buying a car from troubled ZAP. If you can actually manage to get a product from them, and if it actually lives up to its advertising, there’s still a chance you might not even be able to register it legally where you live.

According to the Quincy, Massachusetts’ Patriot Ledger, ZAP Xebra owners in Massachusetts received letters from the Registry of Motor Vehicles informing them that their diminutive electric vehicles were neither motorcycle nor car, leaving them in RMV limbo. Of course, this means the owners who already paid sales tax and registry fees ended up having their plates revoked, unable to operate their Xebras on public roads in the Bay State.

Like in the days of the archaic blue laws, Massachusetts once again has lived up to its reputation as the regulatory equivalent of Dean Pritchard. Only Kentucky still bars low-speed electrics from public roads, and their governor is considering issuing an executive order to legalize them.

“We’ve invested money, spent time and now something that is better for the environment is sitting in the garage. It drives me crazy,” Xebra owner Kathy Doyle told the Ledger. The plug may not be pulled forever, though, as bipartisan legislation has already been filed to put the cars back on the road — similar to recent legislation in Ohio. Current owners may see their cars depreciate, though, because the state legislature only has a few days before its formal session ends.

The Registry says that the cars should not have been registered because they do not meet federal safety standards. Anyone who has ever driven in Massachusetts knows that safety standards are of the utmost importance, but ZAP users contend they only use their cars on short, low-speed trips around town (and with a real-world range of 25 miles at 30 mph, they may not have a choice).

At least the commonwealth is being consistent. If you shipped an Alfa Spider stateside and can’t register it because it hasn’t passed U.S. safety checks, why should you be able to drive around in a Xebra that’s slightly more resilient than the cardboard box (stamped “Made in China”) it was mailed in? Still, there’s something hypocritical about Massachusetts embarking on a quest to turn the bluest of states into the greenest of states, yet barring one of the few all-electric cars currently in production due to a bureaucratic hurdle.

Electric Cars of the Now

Popular Mechanics Video showing off the electric Aptera car. 300 miles to the gallon? See for yourself.

More on New Aptera Video – You Will Want One Of These Cars