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.
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
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. The breakdown is as follows: Ø Cities = 49 Ø Counties/Local Governments = 28 Ø Colleges/Universities = 4 Ø Public Utilities = 161 Ø National Utility Associations = 9 Ø Businesses = 123 Ø Non-Profit Groups = 36 Ø National/Local Environmental Groups = 39 Ø Investor-Owned Utilities = 5 Ø Sta
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.
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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. This allows the cars, which typically rely on the electric power only for short bursts or to assist the onboard gasoline engine, to run on electricity alone for short trips.
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.
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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.
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. – If all the cars and light trucks in the nation switched from oil to electrons, idle capacity in the
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.
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.
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.
Plug In Partners
NOVEMBER 30, 2006
T his week's meeting of the Electric Drive Transportation Association in Washington was accompanied by some significant announcements. 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 ca
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Corp. (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. Wagoner said GM is using the Saturn Vue hybrid sport utility vehicle to develop a plug-in hybrid, which can be re-charged from a standard electrical outlet, and
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.
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.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
NOVEMBER 20, 2006
Yay! 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.
Plug In Partners
NOVEMBER 15, 2006
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. GM likely to launch new plug-in hybrid Reuters Nov 10, 2006 DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. 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.
Plug In Partners
OCTOBER 25, 2006
Mike Jackson H ere's another important milestone for the Campaign. The Nation's largest retail car dealer sees the importance of the PHEV and its CEO is calling on his manufacturers to get with the program. Here's the story from Auto Service World AutoNation Joins Hybrid Cause Auto Service World Oct. 12, 2006 AutoNation, Inc. a U.S. automotive retailer, has joined the Plug-In Partners campaign calling on automakers to manufacture plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
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.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
OCTOBER 12, 2006
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).
Plug In Partners
OCTOBER 10, 2006
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. 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.
Plug In Partners
OCTOBER 10, 2006
T he Plug In Partners Blog celebrates its first year of publishing this month. Here are the years most important stories that we have either highlighted or linked. Turn on the Electric Road By DAVID MORRIS October 8, 2006 Riverside Mayor Proposes Plug-In California Initiative Oct 04, 2006 New York State Aims to Convert its Hybrid Fleet to Plug-Ins August 16, 2006 Mitsubishi Working up Electric Car for US Market October 9, 2006 Menino pledges to buy hybrid cars for city October 6, 2006 Nissan to
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.
Plug In Partners
SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
H ere is a big development for PHEVs. Philanthropy Google’s Way: Not the Usual By KATIE HAFNER New York Times Published: September 14, 2006 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 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
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. Within the next three weeks, PG&E customers will receive in their September bills an insert asking them to sign an online petition at www.pluginpartners.org , a Web site designed by Plug-In Partner
Plug In Partners
AUGUST 30, 2006
The PML Mini The World's Fastest Plug In H ere is the story in the Energy Blog and the Green Car Congress "The Mini QED is a demonstration vehicle that showcases the Quad Electric Drive, a four wheel motor in wheel drive , plug-in electric vehicle, developed by PML Flightlink and its partner Synergy Innovations and unveiled at the British Motor Show.
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