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Japanese Automaker, U.S. Firm Team Up To Convert Cars to Electric Power

By Liu Enming, Voice of America
June 6, 2008 | 34 Comments

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North Carolina, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] "Our car is very different from a gasoline car in that it uses no gasoline, it's all electric, lithium battery and with a proprietary battery management system by Hybrid Technologies," Ron Cerven said.

"We want to make lithium powered, electric-powered vehicles [a part of the] mainstream in America, moving towards more electric-powered vehicles, electric-powered products, and electric-powered energy."

-- Linda Hill, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Hybrid Technologies

Ron Cerven is a project development engineer at Hybrid Technologies, a research and development company focusing on electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries. The cars, like the Toyota Yaris, look like any other until you peek under the hood. Inside, the gas-powered engine has been replaced by a powerful electric motor that is powered by a stack of lithium batteries.

In the company's plant in Morrisville, North Carolina, many familiar car models are being transformed into electric vehicles: The Toyota Yaris, Chrysler PT Cruiser and the SmartCar.

Cerven says the electric cars offer consumers a brand-new driving experience. "The first time you ever drive an electric car, (you notice) how much road noise you hear from tires and stuff," Cerven said.

"That's because you are not used to, even though you don't realize the exhaust isn't very loud or the gasoline motor isn't very loud, you don't realize that actually it is. Very smooth, very quiet, they take off real smooth, they accelerate. One thing that an electric motor has is a very large torque band."

Cerven says not only do the cars save gas — they are also low-maintenance. "Maintenance-wise, the majority of the stuff we took out is what needed to be maintenanced. You have no spark plugs, no oil filters, and no air filters, all that stuff went away. So your maintenance costs are very much lower than what [you] originally had," he said.

Cervan says the cars powered by Hybrid Technologies are a big leap forward from earlier electric vehicles.

Cervan says, "I think in the past, the electric vehicle ware held back by the batteries. Battery technology in the past 10 years has come a long way. We were running at about 600 pounds [272 kilograms] of batteries to get the same mileage we use to be running at about 2,400 pounds [1088 kilograms] of batteries," he said.

Cerven says lithium powered cars are just as powerful as vehicles fueled by gas. For example, with ten packs of these lithium batteries, a PT Cruiser can accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in seven point two seconds, rivaling the performance of a six cylinder, gas-powered car. A six-hour electrical charge provides enough power to drive the car nearly 200 kilometers.

Pointing to vehicle that looks like an updated Jeep, Ceven says, "this one was designed for military. To fit in an aircraft it has a very small cargo area."

"This vehicle is very fast and agile, 87 miles an hour [140 kilometers per hour] almost 200 miles [320 kilometers] on the range but fits in a five foot-by-five foot [1.5 meter by 1.5 meter] container. So it's very easy to deploy."

These electric vehicles are not cheap. But Linda Hill, the marketing and public relations manager of Hybrid Technologies, believes after factoring in the gas and maintenance savings over seven to 10 years, she believes the vehicles are competitive.

Hill says, "We want to make lithium powered, electric-powered vehicles [a part of the] mainstream in America, moving towards more electric-powered vehicles, electric-powered products, and electric-powered energy."

To watch a video of these cars, click here.

Reprinted from Voice of America, a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts more than 1,000 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 115 million people.

Additional Information

To see more of the cars mentioned in this report, watch the video.

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34 Reader Comments

Comment
1 of 34

matthew-earleywine-52670

June 6, 2008

As cool as these new electric cars are, I doubt that they will catch on in the U.S. and here's why:
These cars will make great commutor cars, but would be terrible for road trips. As Americans we expect to be able to jump in our cars and drive either 2 miles to the store or halfway across the country.
If you decided to take a week off and take a vaction or road trip to some exotic place that was 12 hours away, you couldn't do it. If the best electric cars go 200 miles on a charge, that's only 3hours and twenty minutes of driving at 60mph. Then you'd have to stop somewhere and let it charge for at least 6 hours. That's not feasible at all.
People have suggested battery swap stations to replace gas stations, but it seems that it would be very difficult to swap out 600lbs worth of batteries. It's hard enough to swap a single 30 to 60lb car battery.
The only place it might catch on is Hawaii, where you drive 200miles in any direction and your in the ocean.
Don't get me wrong, I am in total support of electric cars if we can make them practical, but as of right now, even if they were cost competetive, they are not practical exept for people with enough money to own both a commuter car and a traveling car. So until someone comes up with a good idea to get around these obstacles, don't expect many more of these cars to be sold. At least not in the U.S. They'll probably stay in Japan, where they are more fesible.
- Matt

Comment
2 of 34

MGoldes

June 9, 2008

Our mission is to supply the world with clean, abundant, and inexpensive electricity. Self Powered Systems™ include a revolutionary, patent pending, technology, which converts ambient heat into electricity. This non-magnetic breakthrough has the potential to go to production in the near future. The system has proven capability to recharge batteries from heat extracted from the air; an alternative to the need to plug-in. This technology can also be configured to produce stand-alone power. It can give electric cars unlimited range, as well as turn them into power plants.

From the Magnetic Power Inc. Executive Summary on this website.

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3 of 34

brandon-d-hunt-148494

June 9, 2008

The arguments made above are the reason I believe that it is very important to invest in plug-in hybrids. This must be a multi-faceted effort with the private profit-making sector (e.g., entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists), the private non-profit sector (e.g. educational institutions, think tanks, charitable foundations), and the public sector (Federal State and local Government) all involved. Plug-in hybrids can double as all-electric cars for short trips and combustion/electric for long trips. Also, we must end environmentally harmful practices such as urban sprawl, which make us so dependent on internal combustion engines. Eventually we will get to where all-electric cars are more practical because neighborhoods are more compact, electric cars have longer range and shorter recharge times, or a combination of these things. Plug-in hybrids are not perfect as they still rely on some fossil fuel - though potentially mush less of it. However, we cannot make the perfect the enemy of the good.

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thomas-wahl-148491

June 9, 2008

If it was once practical to have 2400 pounds of lead-acid batteries why is it not practical to have 2400 pounds of lithium batteries now? That would give a range of about 800 miles. Very practical for the traveller.

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5 of 34

ronald-wagner-75806

June 9, 2008

We have a full size van and a minivan. I believe that the minivan is the most practical vehicle ever invented, and could be made into a great electric vehicle. This could be done as a new vehicle , or retrofitting the existing fleet when the engines wear out.

We plan on buying a 2009 or later Prius or GM Volt. We can use the other vehicles when we need more space.

Comment
6 of 34

mike-barz-76110

June 9, 2008

At 5 to 7 dollars a gallon. I don't think I'm going on any long trips soon. Plus 95% of my driving is under 50 mile.

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jason-geddes-80167

June 9, 2008

Most American families own at least two vehicles. They could have one electric and one gas or gas/electric for long trips. If we replaced half of the cars it would be a huge step forward. My wife and I are in the market to replace her car with an electric.

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8 of 34

elias-dominguez-60682

June 9, 2008

It's kind of romantic to think that Americans are outdoors people. Yes, there are the outdoors guys out there, but the average American is becoming a couch potato. When they are bored, they don't drive 500 miles to kill time, they go on the Internet and eat a hamburger with fries. I believe electric cars with limited driving range should catch on. Most Americans just use cars to drive to work, take the kids to school, and do their grocery shopping.

Comment
9 of 34

sveinn-thordarson-148720

June 11, 2008

A workable solution to the problem of not being able to take long trips is to equip the electric vehicle with a constant speed diesel electricity generator to charge the batteries. Since it only runs at one speed, it could be tuned for optimum efficiency and low emissions. It could be designed to run directly off of vegetable oil, methyl soyate biodiesel or dino diesel. The generator would only run when needed and would allow the vehicle to be charged overnight in a motel parking lot, for instance, when on extended trips, eliminating the need to find a power plug. When available, a power plug would be the preferred means of charging the batteries.

According to my calculations, if the diesel generator's output is properly sized, vehicle range would be comparable to that of today's petroline vehicles. This is very doable and requires no exotic technology. If I had the time and space, I'd make a prototype using COTS components and an old lead-acid battery electric vehicle from the 80's. This is not rocket science.

There's a reason why all locomotives are diesel electric hybrids - it works, it is very efficient and reliable. Add modern diesel engine technology and you also have a very clean vehicle.

Any billionaires out there who would like to hire me to make a prototype? I could use a change in my career path right about now.

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10 of 34

matthew-earleywine-52670

June 11, 2008

For the record, I'm not against electric cars, and I do believe it is a step in the right direction. But as oils supply dwindles, we are going to need a vehicles to replace all the needs. Maybe today it makes sense for people to own a communter car and a gas powered car for long trips. But gasoline won't be around forever, and then what will we do?
What I'm saying is, electric cars as they are now are only a temporary solution for Americans. We still need more research for a permanent solution. Maybe batteries will continue to improve and we'll be able to get eight hours of driving out of them. Or maybe the road will provide them with power as Dominic suggested. Or maybe they'll use heat from the environment to power them as Mark suggested. Or maybe we'll go to natural gas hybrids as Marston suggested. Who knows? More research is necessary.
As renewable energy supportors we must remember to the big picture in mind and be careful not to jump on a bandwagon of a new technology just because it is "renewable" or "green". We must also consider how sustainable it is and weather or not it's a permanent or temporary solution.
A few years ago. Ethanol was going to save us from foreign oil. But then we realized that we cannot produce enough corn to meet or gasoline demands, and it competes with food. That was a temporary solution. As the technology is right now, electric cars are a temporary soultion until we can make them drive for 8 hours at a time alow them to be recharged or swaped in under ten minutes.
I whole-heartedly agree with William Bunter when he said that this is a step in the right direction, and we need to continue to be open to new ideas to make take on the challenge of finding new energy alternatives. (paraphrased)
So thank you Mr. Bunter for putting things into perspective for all of us.
-Matt

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11 of 34

mark-carpenter-81138

June 11, 2008

I have been reading the comments of everyone in reference to wind/solar/electric and nuclear.It is a no brainer!! When will we finally open our eyes and see the future.Look where we are now being held hostage by the oil companies.They can say dollar to the euro bull!! supply/demand.

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12 of 34

marston-schultz

June 11, 2008

Depending on where you live Coal is not an issue. For example PG&E in California gets 5% of its energy from coal.

I prefer a hybrid running on Compressed Natural gas. Anaerobic digestion of our organic waste can produce biogas/biomethane which can be cleaned up an injected into the natural gas grid. You can fill your tank over night at home with PHILL a device sold by Honda to go with their Civic GX, the cleanest burning car on the road. CNG is renewable. Least you doubt my word, Sweden and Germany are moving in this direction already. Sweden is running one of their trains on biogas. Many buses are running CNG in the U.S.

Just think, all that organic waste that we are burying could be used to create methane for fuel. And the byproduct can be used for fertilizer.

CNG burns cleaner, extends the life of the engine, reduces the amount of oil changes and is cheaper at the pump.

Yes there is a CNG infrastructure, not like gasoline, but it is there and will expand once demand increases.

Yes there are tax incentives for CNG vehicles.

So, what I want is a plug in hybrid that goes 40 miles in electric, 200 miles with CNG and 600 on gas. ( a plug in Prius bifuel CNG/gasoline) Hopefully I would never need the gas, but the capability is there if necessary. (note a Prius was converted to CNG in Sweden, but not plug in)

Nuclear can only move forward with massive Government subsidies.
T. Boone Pickes sees the writing on the wall. He is investing in a huge wind farm that will generate the equivalent of 2 Nuclear power plants and I'll bet they will be up and running before the first new nuclear plant finishes it's foundation.

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13 of 34

t-blank-148689

June 11, 2008

I know where to get a U-Hual trailer when I want to move something a long distance; so what if they rent generators on trailers when you want to go on cross country trips. Normally 200 miles is quite far enough. If once a year or so you need to rent a trailer, so what. You could probably even buy one for a grand or so.

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14 of 34

gamessier

June 11, 2008

There are NO silver bullets, and great is the enermy of good.
Courtesy of high energy prices and the resulting demand destruction, in the not-too-distant future, consumers will have the option of ICEs, PHEVs, all-electric vehicles, and improved mass-transit. Let consumers decide which best meets their needs.

If 50% of our grid power comes from coal , than it follows that 50% comes from sources cleaner than coal (natural gas, nuclear, hydro and other RE). EVs and PHEVs are "cleaner'" than ICE vehicles, notwithstanding the fact that 50% of our electricity comes from coal. While not the elusive, non-existent "silver bullet" everyone loves to espouse, EVs and PHEVs will wean US from foreign oil, with resulting benefits to national security, our balance of payments, and environmental pollution.
In the meantime, we'll make simultaneous progress on all fronts: greater efficiency and conservation (let's hear it for high prices), more widespread use of RE, cleaner coal, and renewed interest in nuclear generation.

To those who cringe at the thought of "cleaner" coal, and nuclear, accept the fact that the world will be using both technologies for generations to come. China is commissioning roughly one new coal plant each week; even Germany plans to build more coal plants. China, India, Iran and others want nuclear so as to extend the life of their finite oil and gas deposits. We're already stuck with safeguarding nuclear wastes for centuries to come; another 50 or 100 years of nuclear generation hardly matters.

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15 of 34

reBen

June 11, 2008

Wow. It looked as though this entire discussion was going to miss the issue of the problems of electricity generation. At least F. Berry had the presence of mind to bring it up, though I think his rosy view of the near future with respect to electricity generation is, well, rosy!

I hope folks here are aware that 50% of our present grid electricity is generated by burning coal-- an enormous CO2 load and the single largest source of toxic airborne mercury emissions in the U.S. Not only that, but the average efficiency of the coal burning plants in operation is about 34%. And losses in long distance transmission can be 50% or more.

The point is, a simple switch from oil to electricity for transportation fuel is absolutely NOT a win for the environment. A rapid shift to electricity for transportation on a national scale would inevitably mean:

- More coal mining (human worker danger, vast environmental degradation)
- More coal burning plants (increased air pollution: particulates, sulphur, NOx, airborne mercury, increased incidence of asthma and other respiratory diseases)

Rapid and wide deployment of PV will be very helpful, but although I support the Apollo Alliance's national (moonshot-scale) project of moving us toward renewables in short order, it's unlikely to happen in the next 10 years. If we simply jump to electric-based transport, without concomitant power source changes, we will actually INCREASE our air pollution (coal is dirtier source and transportation is a huge sector of consumption). That's just short-sighted, incomplete thinking.

That said, gradual deployment of electric vehicles is a GREAT idea, especially if buyers were willing to look into distributed generation (PV, wind, micro-hydro, ???) for at least a portion of their source power. Of course, deployment will very likely BE gradual, given the startup curve of ANY new technology on the market: high costs at first, gradually lowering as economies of scale come into play.

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howard-fuller-64116

June 11, 2008

It is sad that an important article like this is produced without proof reading. While it is obvious that the knowledgeable writer does not have English as a primary language, it is also painfully clear that the author's employer does not care enough about the quality of this article to do any editing before publication. As an example, components are not "maintenanced", but maintained. While one can follow the article as a whole, it is highly ungrammatical. Shame on Voice of America.

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17 of 34

rush2112

June 11, 2008

Matthew Earleywine stated in the 'first posting' that we like to travel on long trips at times; yes we do.

But Matt, don't you think it wise to implement the standing technologies rather than wait for more of the same from Detroit and Ford/Chevy. We're obviously going to electric- no doubt, no arguement. And nothing against your statements or your person either Matt; this would be nonsense, and immature. All statements of thought are relevant.

And,...we will manifest incremental changes and scales of efficiencies to our existing battery platforms, just as we did with the Inter. Comb. Engines from 1940 to 1987 when carburators were tossed for fuel injection. In actuality the only way we've improved our cars efficiencies since the early eighties has been with weight reduction for many reasons; too many to conclude here.

Transistion is transistion. Does anyone think in two-thousand years that we'll still be driving 'silly little cars' at all? Technology moves in phases; electricity is the current phase, and we need it for our economic stability, and for our atmosphere.

Certainly within ten years (finally mandated by failing economies in the US), we will have our electrical energy concerns all taken care of by PV and BiPV as well as others. Here too, we will have steps in efficiency or "generational" leaps in technology. That's how progress is made. One can't start out with "end technology". If it could, we would have "matter transportation" like StarTrek; and the electric car history that is now burgeoning would be obviated.

Let's get the electric cars out there NOW! Let's get every garage and roof top that "sees" four or five hours of daily sunlight to have a 2.5kW or higher PV setup. Let's get beyond net metering and create "small-home ownership" investment incentives for such installations that actually pay for such Installations over a ten year period or less. Then, energy becomes a non -issue for Mr & Mrs. Average American.

Best,

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18 of 34

tom-ingram-5368

June 11, 2008

I think the conversion of existing vehicles and platforms from one drivetrain system into a new drivetrain system (electric, in this case) is a wonderful way to help migrate our automotive industry into its next generation. Things are changing and innovation and change is good!

Some, like Matt, seem stuck on the idea that this vehicle must handle all driving scenarios, including a long trip. The vast majority of American drivers do not have this need -- I know from my own annual driving habits that a round trip of a hundred miles without a resting and refueling period daily is more than adequate. I would equate Matt's concern to those that occasionally might need to move a piece of furniture, which won't fit inside your Yaris or Lexus, either... or the time that you need to haul 6 people out to dinner... the same single-car solution won't solve that, either. So, please, Matt, don't limit an alternative possibility because it won't solve every possible scenario. Everything we have to choose from has trade-offs. Matt might be forgetting that one day his universal solution will run out of fuel and won't go anywhere at all... then what?

We Americans love our mobility. And we tend to have more than one vehicle. Right now we might have a car and a pickup, rarely will we choose to have two identical cars -- for that 'different situation' scenario or maybe just personal taste. Instead, we might have a regular commuter vehicle for that necessary daily routine drive, and have a flex-fueled 'other vehicle' for that occasional long trip. Or, if you drive long trips all the time, well, you buy a long-trip vehicle. Might be a special long-range electric that has a larger array of batteries, or you stop at that battery-pack-swap station... these new things will develop, depending on how we consumers also develop and demonstrate our needs, which someone, somewhere, will then make for us.

Innovation is a wonderful thing.

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dominic-jermano-62365

June 11, 2008

Japan is so smart, why are they not investing in Geothermal Development? Geothermal Energy provides the needed electricity to run the cars that contain their special batteries. Geothermal Wells throughout Japan would reduce earthquakes, because it relieves the built up of pressure underground. That alone is a good idea. Then Geothermal electic can power our roadways. A metal strip is layed on both sides of the highway where the car or truck (whatever) can get its electric charge. The vehicles will gain power as they travel the roadway. When they go off the road, their batteries kick in to get them to the store or wherever.

It is very possible to do this technology. I don't know the specifics really to getting the road hooked up so cars could use the electric, but I am certain it can be done. Special heater coils could also keep it ice free and snow free, so no more salt on the roads, and no more deer kills.

Geothermal Energy is coming folks. Its just putting things together for its arrival. It takes planning throughout road systems, and matching the vehicles to the system. The vehicles can go a normal speed of 65 mph. We don't have to maglev the cars llike they have the superfast maglev trains in Japan.

I just think defining this plan is the paramount objective for all Americans and worldwide for that matter. Then workheads can plot its course for coming on line. Let's support Geothermal for a better future for the world, that will last more than a life time.

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william-bunter-51105

June 11, 2008

All contributors to this forum give sound reasons for and against this new electric car which will soon come onto the market:

At least we have made a start in the right direction and improvements along the way are bound to leave us all better off and eventually be free of gas guzzling combustion engines:

I give full credit to these Electric Car pioneers who are taking all the risks with their money and their skills to overcome a situation which is becoming critical in the petroleum markets:

Let us add to these inventions with ideas of our own and move forward together as a free thinking nation who is not afraid to challenge the obsticles which we must surely come up against as we progress step by step untill we reach a near as perfect vehicle as it is possible to get:

One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind: Lets Go:

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jean-pierre-callens-146522

June 11, 2008

That sounds great, when the gallon will be at 20 dollars or more. All americans will use a full electrical car. Let's hope it is soon. The world needs that asap.

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th-lim-138654

June 11, 2008

Good idea, but need to be improve to self recharging when the car is run,

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tim-gard-25916

June 12, 2008

I have seriously been considering installing a windmill on my property. I live less than a half mile from lake Erie, and there is almost always a constant breeze on my property. If we were to purchase one of these, and charge it with the windmill at night, probably about 10 grand in price, we would travel for 'free' on clean, renewable wind power. And the added battery's with a trailer for long road trips? I could do that! Put beer back there too!!

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david-murray-148765

June 12, 2008

For all the nay sayers. I've been driving an electric vehicle I built myself for a few months now. It has a very limit range of about 20 miles. But it gets me to work and back everyday. Guess what? If I need to drive further, I'll drive my wife's car. If that wasn't an option, I'd rent a car. But I can't remember the last time I drove on a trip. That is what trains and airplanes are for. You know what, I don't own a pickup either. You know what I do if I need to move something big? I rent one from U-Haul or the like. It costs around $25 a day. Much cheaper than trying to own a pickup and pay for gas to drive me to work everyday.

As for the pollution issue.. People who say that EV's pollute more than gas cars because of the power generation haven't done their homework. Even an all-coal powered EV still pollutes less than a gasoline engine because of greater efficiency. (Remember only about 20 percent of the gas consumed in a car is transformed into motive power) Then factor in that only half of our power comes from coal. I think the EV wins on pollution in a BIG way.

I think if you found all the people who refused to buy an electric car based on needing to take trips, you'd have about 1% of the market. The other 99% are smarter than that.

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sveinn-thordarson-148720

June 12, 2008

Mr. Rosenburg -
Might achieving your performance goals be easier with a constant speed multi-fuel diesel used to charge the battery packs on a vehicle with an all-electric drive train? I would think achieving 150 MPG and meeting today's extremely stringent emissions standards would be a challenge in a multi-speed diesel engine.
- Sveinn

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26 of 34

jay-rosenberg-53116

June 12, 2008

My company is intent on commercializing a 150 MPG 4 seater, using a proprietary MFSD - Multi-Fuel Superior Diesel. It will run on bio-fuels, diesel, Jet-A, CNG, gasoline (bad but there), ethanols, anything with sufficient BTU's and viscosity.It will has excellent performance, and comfort. A tank of gas could drive this vehicle coast-to-coast. The objective is a $5,000 price in mass production, maybe introductory of $10K, until mass production reduces costs. The above type of stories are feel good. Auto's will become a commodity, to the dismay of the manufacturers, and scads of folks in the posh corner offices. Being a vet/ participant of the computer revolution, switch to cheaper more efficient computers, lower operating costs etc., One of the techniques the then existing dinosaur computer companies used to counter all this movement from mainframes to midi's to mini's (PC's) was called vaporware! Basically its an unfounded promise. The more things change the more they stay the same? Nothing wrong with electric, Plug ins etc., (except in the hands of the wrong folks who will make sure you pay for the "benefits" with 1 arm 1 leg, and 2 ribs, but I also think high efficiency will be an important, easier to reach component. For one thing, now in developing/developed countries you can grow a years worth of transportation and mechanical power (e.g., farming, industry) in a hectare. MFSD Gensets to a generator will produce power. Electric as good as it it (e.g.,1 moving part engines, brushless, not counting the bearings) can not be grown in your back yard. WIth existing biomass, upwards of 500 gallons/ acre of biofuel can be extracted -- before going to cellulosic etc. Technology, by definition, if any good is a quantum leap, and disruptive to the legacy players.
JRIAM1945@aol.com

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27 of 34

ken-riddle-134873

June 13, 2008

I'm wondering when we will come to grips with the fact that this technology is far too expensive for the average consumer. Congress should get off their overfed behinds and pass "real" long-term incentives to make this technology affordable to the average consumer. With a greater volume of sales , the economies of scale would then help drive the prices down. I'm more than a little tired of all the political bluster and finger pointing in Washington. The fact is this country has been without a real energy policy for over a generation. Both parties are responsible, and are guilty of treason in my humble opinion. The politicians seem more interested in playing their political games than in showing true leadership. I hear constant talk about the problem, but very little in the way of solutions. One exception was the call earlier this week to open up the area 50-250 miles off shore for drilling. While I don't see this as the long-term answer I desire, it is an action to try and ease the burden of the average American. It would also buy us time to develop a new energy direction as a nation without going bankrupt in the process. It was voted down. Logic apparently has no place in Washington. Meanwhile the Chinese and Cubans are slant drilling towards Florida (to reach our oil) from just off Key West. I think we should all agree to never vote for an incumbent politician until we see some demonstrable change out them. In the current Presidential contest my vote is "none of the above". Neither of them has a real energy policy, just more talk.

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asogan-moodaly-82468

June 13, 2008

Just a comment on the 'long tailpipe' issue that Benjamin raised - A recent WWF study showed that the carbon footprint of electric cars are still better than oil derived fuels even if the electricity is coal derived. It's due to the superior efficiencies of battery storage and the electric motor compared to the logistics and refining of crude oil and the inefficiencies of the internal combustion engine.

Of course, I'm rooting for renewables as well, but this is a nice transition to wean us off oil in the meanwhile, with a better CO2 footprint.

I'd suggest you google the WWF report - it's quite well written (as an aside, i worked seven years with Sasol, the coal-to-liquids company that was labasted in the report :-D).

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eric-thomas-73346

June 14, 2008

Hey all....Renewable Energy WORLD...

Fact:
Largest Contributers of CO2 Emissions in the U.S. in 2004:

Transportation@~ 1750Tg CO2 Eq.
Electricity Generation@~1900Tg CO2 Eq.

Photovoltaic-ly charged EV's ....Nuff Said

Source (Energy Information Administration: Energy06)

P.S. When you get a minute, look up the word Terragram... One Million Metric TOns!!

Then look up how much the Great Pyramid is estimated to weigh... Next... Remember the above emissions are only for one year of our American Existance.....wow

Solar Epiphany
"You've Realized...Now Run With It"
In Sunny Seattle

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michael-korman-149100

June 17, 2008

Author:
Matthew Earleywine

Date Posted:
June 6, 2008
As cool as these new electric cars are, I doubt that they will catch on in the U.S. and here's why:
.
If you decided to take a week off and take a vaction or road trip to some exotic place that was 12 hours away, you couldn't do it. If the best electric cars go 200 miles on a charge, that's only 3hours and twenty minutes of driving at 60mph. Then you'd have to stop somewhere and let it charge for at least 6 hours. That's not feasible at all.

No- you wouldn't have to stop 3hrs and 20 min. You could wheel out your depleted battery pack on a dolly and wheel in a charged pack (charged with photovoltaics)- pay the attendent $3 for the service and drive off! The battery packs would be easily and quickly removable with quickchange electrical plugs. The whole process would take less than a minute. (a lot shorter than waiting in line to pay at a gas station!)

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norm-senkel-150497

July 2, 2008

Now all we have to do is build a few hundred nuclear power plants to charge these cars.

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norm-senkel-150497

July 2, 2008

No maintenance? How about replacement of the batteries every few years at a cost of thousands of dollars? Another snake oil salesman like the "global warming" idiots.

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sveinn-thordarson-148720

July 20, 2008

"If you decided to take a week off and take a vaction or road trip to some exotic place that was 12 hours away, you couldn't do it. If the best electric cars go 200 miles on a charge, that's only 3hours and twenty minutes of driving at 60mph. Then you'd have to stop somewhere and let it charge for at least 6 hours. That's not feasible at all. "

"Now all we have to do is build a few hundred nuclear power plants to charge these cars."

Mr. Senkel -
You seem to have closed your mind to potential solutions to these problems.

Problem 1 - having to charge your electric vehicle every "3 hours 20 minutes"

Potential solution to problem 1: Put a constant speed diesel electric generator and run it off a renewable fuel source. A 10 or 20 KWatt generator will keep most vehicles on the highway all day long. If necessary petroleum diesel could be used to power the generator. Under microprocessor control, the generator could kick in when the battery charge state fell below a preset value. If staying at a motel, it might be possible to plug the vehicle into the electric grid for battery charging, or else the diesel generator could charge the batteries in the parking lot while you sleep.

Solution to potential problem number 2: Same as above. Lead-acid batteries could be used to reduce cost and fewer of them would be needed due to the presence of the diesel generator. Run off of vegetable oil or some type of biodiesel the generator would be clean emissions-wise and would have a low carbon footprint

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jose-nieves-158343

December 25, 2008

If an electric motor for a car cost, let say $6,000 each. And a stack of batteries cost $10,000. The government should invest $32 billion to buy from the Big 3 enough motors and batteries for 2 million cars. Then tell the automakers to put these motors and batteries in their existing models and take out the traditional internal combustion engines.. Then give the opportunity for 2 million people to buy these new cars with 0% interest if they choose the electric option. Another option for the government could be to use this money to offer a tax credit of 50% to 75% of the total cost of converting their existing cars to electric. This will create new business opportunities for thousands of mechanic shops. This also could be a way to get rid of our oil dependency that is costing $700 billion a year.

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