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from 1984 to 2006 (from 0.665 vehicles to 0.786 vehicles), then decreased by 5.3% In conclusion: Vehicles per person reached a maximum in 2006, two years after a maximum for distance driven per person. Vehicles per person has been on a rebound since 2012, but it is still down from 2006 by 2.2%. by Michael Sivak. In a recent article , I examined changes in distance driven in the United States during the period from 1984 through 2017. MORE
from 1984 to 2006 (from 0.665 vehicles to 0.786 vehicles), then decreased by 5.2% In conclusion: Vehicles per person reached a maximum in 2006, two years after a maximum for distance driven per person. By Michael Sivak, Sivak Applied Research. MORE
B elow is a summary of our partners and fleet orders. A more complete list can be found at the campaign website www.pluginpartners.org : Partners Update – There are currently 497 entities signed on as Partners. MORE
The conversion process highly recommends installing a new clutch assembly, so I ordered a clutch kit from Driving Source NW in Salem, OR (part # POR055822) on December 27th. Dennis from Driving Source NW was going to be in Portland the next day and was wonderful enough to deliver the clutch (and four CV joint gaskets in upper left of photo) to my house. I enjoyed talking about the conversion project with him and hearing about his own experiences with Porsches. MORE
D ear Partners: As you probably read in the press, GM announced in late November that they will manufacture a plug-in hybrid vehicle. A day earlier, Toyota North America president Jim Press said that “ The next frontier will be the plug-in hybrid.” Press was speaking to the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) conference in Washington D.C. where plug-in hybrids were a prime topic of conversation. MORE
I'd like to thank the wonderful folks in the Oregon Electric Vehicle Association for all their advice and input in helping me learn more about the whole electric vehicle scene. Rick Barnes has graciously allowed me to help him with his Ford Probe conversion one Saturday and John Benson, who lives a 20-minute walk away, has let me look at his Porsche 914 DC motor conversion project. I've been blown away by peoples' enthusiasm in sharing information and helping me with this project. MORE
Plug-In Hybrids Gain Traction Earthtimes.org WASHINGTON—November 28, 2006—“If the momentum for plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate, Americans are likely to see more and more of these vehicles on American roads in the next few years ,” said Roger Duncan, deputy general manager of Austin Energy and the head of the Plug-in Partners national grassroots campaign. MORE
This is a picture of the yellow 914 that I'm going to be purchasing from Camp914 near Portland as a base platform for the electric vehicle conversion. The picture was taken back on October 14th before it was ready to operate. Craig, the owner of Camp914, has been working to get the car ready to go over the past few months. He ran into a nasty flu over Thanksgiving and then ran into parts problems around Christmas. MORE
GM likely to launch new plug-in hybrid Reuters Nov 10, 2006 DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. GM Concept Car T here has been a rumor that General Motors might have a plug-in to show at the North American International Car Show in Detroit this coming January. Here is the first confirmation that it is no longer a rumor. will likely unveil a prototype plug-in hybrid at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, a local paper reported on Friday. MORE
The motor and controller from Electro Automotive (sent from Azure Dynamics) arrived on November 20th and are now sitting in my living room awaiting the remainder of the kit parts. Due to the high demand for kits resulting from the movie Who Killed the Electric Car , Electro Auto has been completely swamped. The kit is supposed to show up 10 weeks after Electro Auto got my $13,000 check back on October 23rd. MORE
12, 2006 AutoNation, Inc. The Plug-In Partners campaign , launched in January 2006 by the City of Austin and Austin Energy, has attracted nearly 60 cities and counties, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore and Phoenix , as well as dozens of environmental, national security organizations, business and utility partners. Mike Jackson H ere's another important milestone for the Campaign. MORE
I hope everyone had a great 2006 and I wish you all the best for 2007 After seeing the movie Who Killed The Electric Car , I got the nutty idea earlier this year to purchase an all-electric vehicle to commute to work. The motivation was to see if I could get by with as little oil products as possible. I was going to purchase an NmG from Myers Motors , but found the driver compartment a bit crowded and the driving range limited (only about 40 miles). MORE
electrons A new report from researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory indicates that there is substantial idle capacity for use in a "switch from oil to electrons " Although the full report is not yet available, here is the press release from PNNL. Mileage from Megawatts: Study finds enough electric capacity to "fill up" plug-in vehicles across much of the nation RICHLAND, Wash. – MORE
Turn on the Electric Road By DAVID MORRIS Published: October 8, 2006 Minneapolis LAST summer, New York State took a page from California’s playbook, using state policy to jump-start a 21st century automobile industry. The N Y Times ran a guest editorial on Sunday that effectively conveys the vast potential of the Plug In in both our transportation and stationary electric sectors. MORE
must not be 'hostage' to foreign oil February 20, 2006 MIT researchers invent new hybrid car battery February 7, 2006 Re-thinking the world's economic future February 7, 2006 100-M.P.G. Cars: It's a Start February 5, 2006 Cities to seek plug-in hybrids Janurary 24, 2006 Coalition Turns On to 'Plug-In Hybrids' January 26, 2006 More NewsT he Plug In Partners Blog celebrates its first year of publishing this month. MORE
Philanthropy Google’s Way: Not the Usual By KATIE HAFNER New York Times Published: September 14, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. H ere is a big development for PHEVs. 13 — The ambitious founders of Google , the popular search engine company, have set up a philanthropy, giving it seed money of about $1 billion and a mandate to tackle poverty, disease and global warming. MORE
There's really only one way to read the Kyodo News (Japan) report that Honda President Takeo Fukui said in an interview that Honda thinks it will be able to mass produce fuel-cell vehicles for the general market by 2018. For you and me that means gasoline-only Hondas (along with a few NGV Civics for die-hards) for at least another decade. Not surprising from this quintessential internal combusion engine company. MORE
H ere is another very encouraging development Nissan to end Toyota hybrid tie-up The Yomiuri Shimbun N issan Motor Co. will develop a new hybrid vehicle technology on its own, which would end a joint agreement with Toyota Motor Corp., sources said Friday. The independently produced low-emission and fuel-efficient models will be released on 2010 , the sources said. MORE
There is more to Dan Neil's recent LA Times column than a favorable review of yet another gasoline-only hybrid. He likes the Nissan Altima Hybrid well enough. Calls it a "Camry hybrid in tight jeans." More important, Neil says, is that it comes from an automaker that had scoffed at "hybridization." In December, Nissan announced its "Green Program 2010," projecting a line of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars utilizing lithium-ion batteries of its own manufacture. MORE
The MIT Technology Review reports plug-in hybrids a big 2006 energy story: "The plug-in hybrid-vehicle era begins. For years, hobbyists and a few companies have been adding bigger battery packs to hybrid vehicles, which have both battery power and an internal combustion engine, and plugging them into electrical outlets. MORE
P G & E plugs campaign for hybrid electric cars Joshua Sabatini The Examiner Sep 5, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO - Pacific Gas and Electric Co. wants its 5.1 million customers in California to pressure car manufacturers to mass-produce electric vehicles that can be plugged right into a standard home socket. MORE
No, I'm not referring to John McCain or the other remaining defenders of the Iraq adventure, predicated on so many lies. I'm speaking about Mark Phelan, columnist for the Detroit Free Press. You see Phelan was in North Carolina recently to test drive the new Toyota Tundra. one of the ever-larger vehicles that has catapulted Toyota's profitability. 15 miles per gallon, thank you very much. As Toyota planned it, we see Prius, they sell Tundra. But that's another story. MORE
Taken from the press release , New York Governor's Office, August 2, 2006 Become a Partner today. T his story comes from the Energy Blog. New York to Convert 600 Hybrids to PHEVs New York Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. MORE
AFS TRINITY SIGNS ACCORD WITH AUSTIN ENERGY The Auto Channel August 17, 2006 " A n accord that was signed this week in Seattle and Austin should put Americans one step closer to seeing the 250 MPG AFS Trinity Power Corp (AFST) Extreme Hybrid ™ car on the road," according to AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Since its launch in January 2006, most of the 50 largest U.S. MORE
Changing of the guard at the auto makers' industry group the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM). Former Democratic Congressman Dave McCurdy takes his lobbying skills from Electronics to Autos. As reported at the Washington Note , just seeing a Democrat in this top spot once held by Andy Card , who went on to become Bush's Chief of Staff, is a positive sign of the times. MORE
Thomas Friedman of the NY Times has been on his geo-green kick for a while now, merging his eco-consciousness with his hawkish neo-liberalism. Going green is necessary, and it can get the US out of the pickle of the Mid East. Agreed. Ending our dependence on foreign oil is essential if we are to eliminate its perverting influence on our foreign policy. MORE
C harging ahead with new LIPA buses By Jean Paul Vellotti Long Island Business News Friday, July 14, 2006 HAUPPAUGE – After five years of planning, research and development, the first plug-in hybrid electric bus built to serve Long Island straphangers is getting ready to roll. MORE
Felix Kramer of CalCars reports that this week, in the first letter of its kind, 17 Senators and 21 Representatives from both sides of the aisle wrote to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Office of Management and Budget Director Robert Portman, urging that the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request include at least $90M in funding for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs). See full text & signatories below.) In the Senate, support extends from the far-right (Brownback) to the moderate-left Barack Obama. MORE
Spent the day at the press event and setup for the Santa Monica AltFuel Expo, being held in conjunction with the LA Auto Show. One can be quite encouraged by the 30 odd alternative fuel cars of all shapes and sizes. I should feel heartened that battery electrics predominated, if you include NEVs and bikes. I drove the AC Propulsion eBox (thank you, Tom), my first time behind the wheel of the ACP system. MORE
Santa Monica AltFuel Expo was by all standard measure an overwhelming success. Thousands packed the hangar to meander through exhibits by companies large and small, trade groups, government agencies and advocacy organizations. Under one roof, all the alt fuels were represented, from hydrogen to biofuels and electricity to (using less) gasoline. Panels and keynote addresses were well attended. Each alternative put its best face forward. MORE
Titled "Not as Green as it Seems," Spiegel Online takes direct aim not only at BMW's vision of the future, but the entire hydrogen enterprise. According to this review, "BMW has created an energy-guzzling engine that only seems to be environmentally friendly -- a farcical ecomobile whose only true merit is that of illustrating the cardinal dilemma of a possible hydrogen-based economy." The article dissects the myth of clean, renewable hydrogen, and vividly explains the difficulty of storage. MORE
Here is the story from the Brownfield Network Plug-in hybrid flexible-fueled cars on the way Thursday, June 8, 2006, 2:01 PM by Bob Meyer Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has signed a law promoting plug-in hybrid flexible-fueled vehicles. R epresentative Frank Hornstein reports that House File 3718 has passed, and that Minnesota is the first state to join the push for plug-in hybrids. MORE
Environmental author Mark Hertsgaard spoke at the San Francisco Department of Environment today. He has come to believe we are so far down the global warming road and its consequences that the time has come to move beyond mitigation to focus on adaptation. Of course, he said, every effort must continue to move toward a zero-carbon economy, but we need to get our collective head around the idea that our carbon emissions have warmed up the earth, and it's going to get even warmer. MORE
Almost every American who drives (and for better or worse that's most of us), must pay oil companies for the privilege. And they make a good profit. But it's not enough to sell a product and make the biggest profits in the history of the world. Today's NYTimes has a big story about one way oil and gas companies continue to steal from us. They drill on public lands and are meant to pay US royalties. MORE
Lots of ink on GM's plug-in hybrid announcement. With headlines like "GM Promises Plug-in Hybrid," Waggoner's statement in LA moves plug-in cars back into the public discussion of petroleum alternatives. Environmentalists" generally were credited with pressuring GM toward green technologies, and Roland Hwang of NRDC rightly questions whether GM's plans are mere "smoke and mirrors." While espousing the "electrification of the automobile," Waggoner made no firm committment. MORE
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Corp. (GM) GM) Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said Wednesday that the U.S. needs to reduce dependence on foreign energy and insisted the No. 1 auto maker is accelerating its efforts to meet the challenge by being the first to offer a plug-in hybrid and by expanding its production of biofuel vehicles. MORE
Evidence for Electrics Piles Up at ZEVTech Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association were well represented and well received at the California Air Resources Board Zero Emission Vehicle Technical Review in Sacramento. This three day event was convened to present information to CARB staff as it considers options for the ZEV mandate in 2007. Presenters included automakers; battery, hydrogen and fuel cell companies; electric utilities; and energy and emissions analysts. MORE
The efforts of LA EV activists to keep the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s fleet of RAV4 EVs on the road appears to have been a success. Nate Vandershaaf, who arrived at one meeting with a bank-certified offer to purchase all 74 RAVs for $1.85 million, caught the attention of the Board of Commissioners. As did a letter of support from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. MORE
Bloomberg News reports: "At the conclusion of Wagoner's speech today, two activists with the environmental group Jumpstart Ford, which lobbies automakers to boost fuel-efficiency, surprised the chief executive on stage by asking him to sign a pledge committing GM to become the most fuel-efficient automaker by 2010. Wagoner declined, saying ``I'll let my speech speak for me.'' The two men were escorted out of the hall." Technorati Profile MORE
In early November, an LA Times story heralding GM’s resurrection of the plug-in car was carried by newspapers worldwide. GM announced it will show some sort of plug-in car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Speculation has focused on the possibility of a serial plug-in hybrid. GM made a prototype plug-in hybrid EV1 during the 90s. Rumors had already begun about GM’s electric intentions. In September, Chairman Lutz said that his worst decision was killing the EV1. MORE
Proposition 87, the much ballyhooed California Initiative to levy a new oil extraction tax and use the revenue to support alternative fuels, went down to defeat in the recent election. One can’t overstate the impact of the $100 million oil-fueled campaign by opponents. Higher gas prices. More foreign oil.” The refrain still rings in my ears. Oil companies made a smart investment to keep $4 billion for themselves. But the Yes on 87 campaign squandered a great opportunity. MORE
Who Killed the Electric Car opens across America EAA chapters turn out for openings Summer 2006 has been all about “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Reviews of the movie by the score have been fueled by $75 per barrel oil and the fear of $4 per gallon gas. Chris Paine, the director, and Chelsea Sexton, ex-EV1 specialist and a central character in the film, tirelessly criss-crossed the country speaking to the press. Opening box office has been respectable, but certainly not gangbusters. MORE
Who Killed the Electric Car? Since my last report, the success of the film “Who Killed the Electric Car?” set the stage for the dramatic unveiling of the Tesla Motors Roadster in Santa Monica on July 19th. By mid August, the film had grossed over $1 million in its theatrical release, thanks in no small part to the great promotional efforts by members of the Electric Auto Association. From Oregon to Florida, members continues to promote the film and promote the idea of electric cars at screenings. MORE
Who Killed the Electric Car Opens Across the Nation Who Killed the Electric Car?, director Chris Paine’s long-awaited documentary, begins a nationwide theatrical release on June 28 in Los Angeles and New York. In July it will open in every major American market. Plug In America and other Electric Auto Association chapters have been actively promoting the film with a guerilla marketing campaign aimed at raising awareness. MORE
2006 Related Topics Green Car Congress
MARCH 11, 2020
from 1984 to 2006 (from 0.665 vehicles to 0.786 vehicles), then decreased by 5.2% In conclusion: Vehicles per person reached a maximum in 2006, two years after a maximum for distance driven per person. By Michael Sivak, Sivak Applied Research.
Green Car Congress
APRIL 22, 2019
from 1984 to 2006 (from 0.665 vehicles to 0.786 vehicles), then decreased by 5.3% In conclusion: Vehicles per person reached a maximum in 2006, two years after a maximum for distance driven per person. Vehicles per person has been on a rebound since 2012, but it is still down from 2006 by 2.2%. by Michael Sivak. In a recent article , I examined changes in distance driven in the United States during the period from 1984 through 2017.
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Plug In Partners
OCTOBER 10, 2006
must not be 'hostage' to foreign oil February 20, 2006 MIT researchers invent new hybrid car battery February 7, 2006 Re-thinking the world's economic future February 7, 2006 100-M.P.G. Cars: It's a Start February 5, 2006 Cities to seek plug-in hybrids Janurary 24, 2006 Coalition Turns On to 'Plug-In Hybrids' January 26, 2006 More NewsT he Plug In Partners Blog celebrates its first year of publishing this month.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 27, 2006
The MIT Technology Review reports plug-in hybrids a big 2006 energy story: "The plug-in hybrid-vehicle era begins. For years, hobbyists and a few companies have been adding bigger battery packs to hybrid vehicles, which have both battery power and an internal combustion engine, and plugging them into electrical outlets.
Plug In Partners
OCTOBER 25, 2006
12, 2006 AutoNation, Inc. The Plug-In Partners campaign , launched in January 2006 by the City of Austin and Austin Energy, has attracted nearly 60 cities and counties, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore and Phoenix , as well as dozens of environmental, national security organizations, business and utility partners. Mike Jackson H ere's another important milestone for the Campaign.
Plug In Partners
NOVEMBER 30, 2006
Plug-In Hybrids Gain Traction Earthtimes.org WASHINGTON—November 28, 2006—“If the momentum for plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate, Americans are likely to see more and more of these vehicles on American roads in the next few years ,” said Roger Duncan, deputy general manager of Austin Energy and the head of the Plug-in Partners national grassroots campaign.
Plug In Partners
NOVEMBER 15, 2006
GM likely to launch new plug-in hybrid Reuters Nov 10, 2006 DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. GM Concept Car T here has been a rumor that General Motors might have a plug-in to show at the North American International Car Show in Detroit this coming January. Here is the first confirmation that it is no longer a rumor. will likely unveil a prototype plug-in hybrid at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, a local paper reported on Friday.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
Who Killed the Electric Car opens across America EAA chapters turn out for openings Summer 2006 has been all about “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Reviews of the movie by the score have been fueled by $75 per barrel oil and the fear of $4 per gallon gas. Chris Paine, the director, and Chelsea Sexton, ex-EV1 specialist and a central character in the film, tirelessly criss-crossed the country speaking to the press. Opening box office has been respectable, but certainly not gangbusters.
Plug In Partners
OCTOBER 10, 2006
Turn on the Electric Road By DAVID MORRIS Published: October 8, 2006 Minneapolis LAST summer, New York State took a page from California’s playbook, using state policy to jump-start a 21st century automobile industry. The N Y Times ran a guest editorial on Sunday that effectively conveys the vast potential of the Plug In in both our transportation and stationary electric sectors.
Plug In Partners
DECEMBER 22, 2006
B elow is a summary of our partners and fleet orders. A more complete list can be found at the campaign website www.pluginpartners.org : Partners Update – There are currently 497 entities signed on as Partners.
Plug In Partners
DECEMBER 22, 2006
D ear Partners: As you probably read in the press, GM announced in late November that they will manufacture a plug-in hybrid vehicle. A day earlier, Toyota North America president Jim Press said that “ The next frontier will be the plug-in hybrid.” Press was speaking to the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) conference in Washington D.C. where plug-in hybrids were a prime topic of conversation.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
DECEMBER 31, 2006
I'd like to thank the wonderful folks in the Oregon Electric Vehicle Association for all their advice and input in helping me learn more about the whole electric vehicle scene. Rick Barnes has graciously allowed me to help him with his Ford Probe conversion one Saturday and John Benson, who lives a 20-minute walk away, has let me look at his Porsche 914 DC motor conversion project. I've been blown away by peoples' enthusiasm in sharing information and helping me with this project.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
DECEMBER 28, 2006
The conversion process highly recommends installing a new clutch assembly, so I ordered a clutch kit from Driving Source NW in Salem, OR (part # POR055822) on December 27th. Dennis from Driving Source NW was going to be in Portland the next day and was wonderful enough to deliver the clutch (and four CV joint gaskets in upper left of photo) to my house. I enjoyed talking about the conversion project with him and hearing about his own experiences with Porsches.
Plug In Partners
SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
Philanthropy Google’s Way: Not the Usual By KATIE HAFNER New York Times Published: September 14, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. H ere is a big development for PHEVs. 13 — The ambitious founders of Google , the popular search engine company, have set up a philanthropy, giving it seed money of about $1 billion and a mandate to tackle poverty, disease and global warming.
Plug In Partners
DECEMBER 14, 2006
electrons A new report from researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory indicates that there is substantial idle capacity for use in a "switch from oil to electrons " Although the full report is not yet available, here is the press release from PNNL. Mileage from Megawatts: Study finds enough electric capacity to "fill up" plug-in vehicles across much of the nation RICHLAND, Wash. –
Plug In Partners
SEPTEMBER 6, 2006
P G & E plugs campaign for hybrid electric cars Joshua Sabatini The Examiner Sep 5, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO - Pacific Gas and Electric Co. wants its 5.1 million customers in California to pressure car manufacturers to mass-produce electric vehicles that can be plugged right into a standard home socket.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 29, 2006
There's really only one way to read the Kyodo News (Japan) report that Honda President Takeo Fukui said in an interview that Honda thinks it will be able to mass produce fuel-cell vehicles for the general market by 2018. For you and me that means gasoline-only Hondas (along with a few NGV Civics for die-hards) for at least another decade. Not surprising from this quintessential internal combusion engine company.
Plug In Partners
AUGUST 18, 2006
AFS TRINITY SIGNS ACCORD WITH AUSTIN ENERGY The Auto Channel August 17, 2006 " A n accord that was signed this week in Seattle and Austin should put Americans one step closer to seeing the 250 MPG AFS Trinity Power Corp (AFST) Extreme Hybrid ™ car on the road," according to AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Since its launch in January 2006, most of the 50 largest U.S.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 22, 2006
There is more to Dan Neil's recent LA Times column than a favorable review of yet another gasoline-only hybrid. He likes the Nissan Altima Hybrid well enough. Calls it a "Camry hybrid in tight jeans." More important, Neil says, is that it comes from an automaker that had scoffed at "hybridization." In December, Nissan announced its "Green Program 2010," projecting a line of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars utilizing lithium-ion batteries of its own manufacture.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 21, 2006
Changing of the guard at the auto makers' industry group the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM). Former Democratic Congressman Dave McCurdy takes his lobbying skills from Electronics to Autos. As reported at the Washington Note , just seeing a Democrat in this top spot once held by Andy Card , who went on to become Bush's Chief of Staff, is a positive sign of the times.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 20, 2006
No, I'm not referring to John McCain or the other remaining defenders of the Iraq adventure, predicated on so many lies. I'm speaking about Mark Phelan, columnist for the Detroit Free Press. You see Phelan was in North Carolina recently to test drive the new Toyota Tundra. one of the ever-larger vehicles that has catapulted Toyota's profitability. 15 miles per gallon, thank you very much. As Toyota planned it, we see Prius, they sell Tundra. But that's another story.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 15, 2006
Thomas Friedman of the NY Times has been on his geo-green kick for a while now, merging his eco-consciousness with his hawkish neo-liberalism. Going green is necessary, and it can get the US out of the pickle of the Mid East. Agreed. Ending our dependence on foreign oil is essential if we are to eliminate its perverting influence on our foreign policy.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 15, 2006
Felix Kramer of CalCars reports that this week, in the first letter of its kind, 17 Senators and 21 Representatives from both sides of the aisle wrote to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Office of Management and Budget Director Robert Portman, urging that the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request include at least $90M in funding for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs). See full text & signatories below.) In the Senate, support extends from the far-right (Brownback) to the moderate-left Barack Obama.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 12, 2006
Santa Monica AltFuel Expo was by all standard measure an overwhelming success. Thousands packed the hangar to meander through exhibits by companies large and small, trade groups, government agencies and advocacy organizations. Under one roof, all the alt fuels were represented, from hydrogen to biofuels and electricity to (using less) gasoline. Panels and keynote addresses were well attended. Each alternative put its best face forward.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 8, 2006
Spent the day at the press event and setup for the Santa Monica AltFuel Expo, being held in conjunction with the LA Auto Show. One can be quite encouraged by the 30 odd alternative fuel cars of all shapes and sizes. I should feel heartened that battery electrics predominated, if you include NEVs and bikes. I drove the AC Propulsion eBox (thank you, Tom), my first time behind the wheel of the ACP system.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 6, 2006
Environmental author Mark Hertsgaard spoke at the San Francisco Department of Environment today. He has come to believe we are so far down the global warming road and its consequences that the time has come to move beyond mitigation to focus on adaptation. Of course, he said, every effort must continue to move toward a zero-carbon economy, but we need to get our collective head around the idea that our carbon emissions have warmed up the earth, and it's going to get even warmer.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 4, 2006
Titled "Not as Green as it Seems," Spiegel Online takes direct aim not only at BMW's vision of the future, but the entire hydrogen enterprise. According to this review, "BMW has created an energy-guzzling engine that only seems to be environmentally friendly -- a farcical ecomobile whose only true merit is that of illustrating the cardinal dilemma of a possible hydrogen-based economy." The article dissects the myth of clean, renewable hydrogen, and vividly explains the difficulty of storage.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 3, 2006
Almost every American who drives (and for better or worse that's most of us), must pay oil companies for the privilege. And they make a good profit. But it's not enough to sell a product and make the biggest profits in the history of the world. Today's NYTimes has a big story about one way oil and gas companies continue to steal from us. They drill on public lands and are meant to pay US royalties.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
NOVEMBER 20, 2006
The motor and controller from Electro Automotive (sent from Azure Dynamics) arrived on November 20th and are now sitting in my living room awaiting the remainder of the kit parts. Due to the high demand for kits resulting from the movie Who Killed the Electric Car , Electro Auto has been completely swamped. The kit is supposed to show up 10 weeks after Electro Auto got my $13,000 check back on October 23rd.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 30, 2006
Lots of ink on GM's plug-in hybrid announcement. With headlines like "GM Promises Plug-in Hybrid," Waggoner's statement in LA moves plug-in cars back into the public discussion of petroleum alternatives. Environmentalists" generally were credited with pressuring GM toward green technologies, and Roland Hwang of NRDC rightly questions whether GM's plans are mere "smoke and mirrors." While espousing the "electrification of the automobile," Waggoner made no firm committment.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
Bloomberg News reports: "At the conclusion of Wagoner's speech today, two activists with the environmental group Jumpstart Ford, which lobbies automakers to boost fuel-efficiency, surprised the chief executive on stage by asking him to sign a pledge committing GM to become the most fuel-efficient automaker by 2010. Wagoner declined, saying ``I'll let my speech speak for me.'' The two men were escorted out of the hall." Technorati Profile
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Corp. (GM) GM) Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said Wednesday that the U.S. needs to reduce dependence on foreign energy and insisted the No. 1 auto maker is accelerating its efforts to meet the challenge by being the first to offer a plug-in hybrid and by expanding its production of biofuel vehicles.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
Who Killed the Electric Car Opens Across the Nation Who Killed the Electric Car?, director Chris Paine’s long-awaited documentary, begins a nationwide theatrical release on June 28 in Los Angeles and New York. In July it will open in every major American market. Plug In America and other Electric Auto Association chapters have been actively promoting the film with a guerilla marketing campaign aimed at raising awareness.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
Who Killed the Electric Car? Since my last report, the success of the film “Who Killed the Electric Car?” set the stage for the dramatic unveiling of the Tesla Motors Roadster in Santa Monica on July 19th. By mid August, the film had grossed over $1 million in its theatrical release, thanks in no small part to the great promotional efforts by members of the Electric Auto Association. From Oregon to Florida, members continues to promote the film and promote the idea of electric cars at screenings.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
In early November, an LA Times story heralding GM’s resurrection of the plug-in car was carried by newspapers worldwide. GM announced it will show some sort of plug-in car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Speculation has focused on the possibility of a serial plug-in hybrid. GM made a prototype plug-in hybrid EV1 during the 90s. Rumors had already begun about GM’s electric intentions. In September, Chairman Lutz said that his worst decision was killing the EV1.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
Proposition 87, the much ballyhooed California Initiative to levy a new oil extraction tax and use the revenue to support alternative fuels, went down to defeat in the recent election. One can’t overstate the impact of the $100 million oil-fueled campaign by opponents. Higher gas prices. More foreign oil.” The refrain still rings in my ears. Oil companies made a smart investment to keep $4 billion for themselves. But the Yes on 87 campaign squandered a great opportunity.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
The efforts of LA EV activists to keep the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s fleet of RAV4 EVs on the road appears to have been a success. Nate Vandershaaf, who arrived at one meeting with a bank-certified offer to purchase all 74 RAVs for $1.85 million, caught the attention of the Board of Commissioners. As did a letter of support from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 28, 2006
Evidence for Electrics Piles Up at ZEVTech Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association were well represented and well received at the California Air Resources Board Zero Emission Vehicle Technical Review in Sacramento. This three day event was convened to present information to CARB staff as it considers options for the ZEV mandate in 2007. Presenters included automakers; battery, hydrogen and fuel cell companies; electric utilities; and energy and emissions analysts.
Plug In Partners
JUNE 12, 2006
Here is the story from the Brownfield Network Plug-in hybrid flexible-fueled cars on the way Thursday, June 8, 2006, 2:01 PM by Bob Meyer Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has signed a law promoting plug-in hybrid flexible-fueled vehicles. R epresentative Frank Hornstein reports that House File 3718 has passed, and that Minnesota is the first state to join the push for plug-in hybrids.
Plug In Partners
JULY 18, 2006
C harging ahead with new LIPA buses By Jean Paul Vellotti Long Island Business News Friday, July 14, 2006 HAUPPAUGE – After five years of planning, research and development, the first plug-in hybrid electric bus built to serve Long Island straphangers is getting ready to roll.
Plug In Partners
AUGUST 4, 2006
Taken from the press release , New York Governor's Office, August 2, 2006 Become a Partner today. T his story comes from the Energy Blog. New York to Convert 600 Hybrids to PHEVs New York Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
OCTOBER 14, 2006
This is a picture of the yellow 914 that I'm going to be purchasing from Camp914 near Portland as a base platform for the electric vehicle conversion. The picture was taken back on October 14th before it was ready to operate. Craig, the owner of Camp914, has been working to get the car ready to go over the past few months. He ran into a nasty flu over Thanksgiving and then ran into parts problems around Christmas.
Plug In Partners
SEPTEMBER 25, 2006
H ere is another very encouraging development Nissan to end Toyota hybrid tie-up The Yomiuri Shimbun N issan Motor Co. will develop a new hybrid vehicle technology on its own, which would end a joint agreement with Toyota Motor Corp., sources said Friday. The independently produced low-emission and fuel-efficient models will be released on 2010 , the sources said.
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