EV Digest 5403
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Re: Precharge alternatives
by Lee Hart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
2) RE: NiCd bus on eBay
by Cor van de Water <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
3) Introduction - Where I am coming from
by "Dave Hanna" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
4) Re: How much battery capacity would this require?
by "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
5) Re: Introduction - Where I am coming from
by "Ryan Stotts" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
6) RE: Precharge alternatives
by "Bill Dennis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
7) RE: EVs in Australia?
by "Mark Fowler" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
8) Tour de Sol Press Release (long)
by M Bianchi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
9) Re: High current 200 V Schottkys for freewheeling- who makes them?
by [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Brad Baylor)
10) EVLN(PV Prius)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
11) EVLN(LiX-75: The 200-mph Electric Car)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
12) EVLN(Electric motorcycle gets 180 km per charge)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
13) EVLN(42,000 Mexican electric taxi cab order)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
14) EVLN(Airbus using a fleet of Smith EVs to increase plant efficiencies)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
--- Begin Message ---
Bill Dennis wrote:
>> I had considered was putting a neon bulb in series with a small
>> relay coil across the controller.
> Sorry, I meant to say, "a transistor-controller relay". The B-E of
> the transistor would be in series with the bulb, the C-E of the
> transistor controller the relay coil. But now that I think of it,
> maybe I just need the transistor and not the attached relay.
Most little neon lamps only draw 1 ma or so. This could power a very
small high-voltage relay, but not a big contactor.
Adding a transistor would let it control 100 ma or so. This might be
enough for a contactor with a high-voltage coil.
But the neon-transistor combination would basically just act like a 60v
zener diode. It might be easier to just the a zener diode.
--
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget the perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in -- Leonard Cohen
--
Lee A. Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, leeahart_at_earthlink.net
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Since it has a 324V system and the NiCd batteries shown are 6V
(5 x 1.2V cell) as in the photo, you should find 54 batteries.
Charging port looks to be an AVCON, so either the onboard
charger is not discovered by the seller, or it is missing
or the AVCON port is used as quick-connect to offboard charger.
It appears these are flooded NiCd batteries, the filler hoses
have been disconnected but you can see the infrastructure in
the caps on the photo.
The amp-meter shows + and - 500 Amp full scale. This would
indicate approximately 160 kW of max drive power.
Success bidding,
Cor van de Water
Systems Architect
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Private: http://www.cvandewater.com
Skype: cor_van_de_water IM: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tel: +1 408 542 5225 VoIP: +31 20 3987567 FWD# 25925
Fax: +1 408 731 3675 eFAX: +31-87-784-1130
Proxim Wireless Networks eFAX: +1-610-423-5743
Take your network further http://www.proxim.com
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 8:36 AM
To: EV Discussion List
Subject: NiCd bus on eBay
If this really has 60 monoblocs, $5K startingbid is a deal:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4634553861
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hey all, I am new to this list and EV discussion in general and I
thought I would introduce myself.
My background is engineering with lots of hands on experience (welding,
electrical, automotive). I currently work in the software industry.
I have been thinking a lot over the past year or so about 'alternatives'
to my currently oil-dependent lifestyle. Biking to work instead of
driving and that sort of thing but here in Colorado that is not always
so practical (warm).
One of my favorite hobbies is 4-wheeling in my Jeep. But I have hard
time dealing with the cost of fuel and the implications (environmental
and geopolitical) of having a hobby that relies on oil. It seems that
an EV might be a solution to both of these challenges if I can pull it
off.
So I guess my interest is twofold. I'd like to explore the possibility
of creating an EV 4x4 that allows me to have fun on Jeep trails and
something that I can commute in. I have read about the 'LectricRover'
and the 'JeepEV' and both seem like cool projects. I guess the question
is where should I start? I think a bit of homework is in order first to
make sure my application makes sense.
Here is my starting criteria (based on what I think I know)
* No need for speed 45MPH max would probably be fine
* Commuting distance is 15 miles total. Jeep trails are more like
30-45. More is of course better.
* Off road driving needs more low speed power and torque.
* Off road driving needs a stout chassis. Stronger frame and
axles = heavier but can carry more batteries. Suziki samauri, dodge
raider, jeep wrangler as a donor.
* I have lots of sun here in Denver - can Solar help?
So what does everyone think? Am I crazy in thinking these needs can
realistically be met? Does anyone know of buildups that I could use as
a reference?
Thanks in advance and "I'm pleased to meet you"
Dave
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I'll watch this project with interest. I have a simular idea but using a
recumbent. I have a full Vetter/Rifle fairing that might be of interest to
you. It should fit a small sport bike. It will easily make your project
come to fruition. With that speed and distance a 250 pound pack would be
needed(maybe bigger) if a mini fairing is used. With the fairing below you
might get close to this goal with lead or NiCad.
http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/470MPG/470MPG%20Main.html 'The picture
half way down shows the fairing I have. . LR.......
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Trough" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Electric Vehicle Discussion List" <ev@listproc.sjsu.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 12:09 PM
Subject: How much battery capacity would this require?
I am trying to make some educated guesses as to sizing a battery pack.
The application is a high performance electric motorcycle of the "sport
bike" variety. Basic race type fairing but not a massive one like a
Vetter, so I know the wind profile is not at all optimal.
I need to be able to travel at 60-80 mph for a total of 100 miles. I have
high draw li-poly cells with integrated BMS for low weight and max range.
I am running at 80-90V. I have the motor/controller and chassis figured
out.
Any guesstimate ranges as to how much capacity I will need to accomplish
this. I know it is going to be a lot of money. I am planning on $10K-$15K
for the battery pack alone based on the cells I am looking at, so don't
bother to tell me this is too expensive to be practical. I already know.
8^)
Is an 85V 100Ah pack going to cut it? Is that large a pack massive
overkill, or just scraping by?
I understand that some aspects of this are vague. I'll be crunching some
numbers and calculating wind resistance, efficiency and so forth if the
project progresses. Right now I am just trolling for your thoughts on the
project.
Has anyone built a 100 mile, 80 mph lithium powered bike before? If not,
who has come the closest?
If this project moves forward, I will definately share all the data that I
collect for others to benefit from.
Thanks in advance for all responses!
-Ken Trough
V is for Voltage
http://visforvoltage.com
AIM/YM - ktrough
FAX/voice message - 206-339-VOLT (8658)
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Dave Hanna wrote:
> It seems that an EV might be a solution to both of these challenges if I can
> pull it
> off.
If you've got the money, then it's beyond easy to convert your Jeep
over to electric.
> * Off road driving needs more low speed power and torque.
Your motor choice might be decided by money.
How much motor do you want / how much are you willing to spend? If
money is not object, then by all means, put the 13" motor in it!
http://www.evsource.com/tls_motors.php
Zilla controller, Manzanita Micro Charger; it's all on that site.
You need ~$750 to couple your motor of choice to your transmission of choice:
http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/adaptors.shtml
> * Off road driving needs a stout chassis. Stronger frame and
> axles = heavier but can carry more batteries. Suziki samauri, dodge
> raider, jeep wrangler as a donor.
Any vehicle you want. Just be sure it's a vehicle YOU want.
> * I have lots of sun here in Denver - can Solar help?
For best results, put those panels on the roof of your house instead
of on your Jeep. For the amount of watts they produce and the amount
you could fit on your Jeep, they just aren't powerful enough to be
worth it on the Jeep. Now a large array on the house....
> Does anyone know of buildups that I could use as a reference?
This particular vehicle has always impressed me for whatever reason:
http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/567.html
Start spending, start building... It's all just a matter of $$$..
Any more questions, just ask. This is the cheapest part of this hobby.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Thanks, Lee. I thought the neon would make a nice indicator, but there's
probably a better way to do it.
Actually, I'm sort of the opposite of Neon John, and won't mind waiting a
few seconds. In fact, I've also toyed with the idea of building in a
thief-deterrent/idiot-mitigater circuit (hint, I'm one of the two, and I
don't steal). It would basically be a hidden toggle switch and solenoid
combination, maybe at the top of the glove compartment, like this:
+----------+
\ |---| solenoid |
__\__ +----------+
Switch
When not energized, the solenoid keeps the switch from staying on, which
disables the KSI. As soon as I stick the key in the ignition, two things
happen: 1) pre-charge relay closes; and 2) solenoid pulls in. I then have
to manually flip the switch, or the KSI circuit will never be completed.
This gives plenty of time for the Curtis capacitors to charge.
When I remove the key from the ignition, the solenoid pops back out and
turns off the switch.
Bill Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Lee Hart
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 1:55 PM
To: ev@listproc.sjsu.edu
Subject: Re: Precharge alternatives
Bill Dennis wrote:
>> I had considered was putting a neon bulb in series with a small
>> relay coil across the controller.
> Sorry, I meant to say, "a transistor-controller relay". The B-E of
> the transistor would be in series with the bulb, the C-E of the
> transistor controller the relay coil. But now that I think of it,
> maybe I just need the transistor and not the attached relay.
Most little neon lamps only draw 1 ma or so. This could power a very
small high-voltage relay, but not a big contactor.
Adding a transistor would let it control 100 ma or so. This might be
enough for a contactor with a high-voltage coil.
But the neon-transistor combination would basically just act like a 60v
zener diode. It might be easier to just the a zener diode.
--
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget the perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in -- Leonard Cohen
--
Lee A. Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, leeahart_at_earthlink.net
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Shari - that is an excellent summary of what's available in Aus. Thanks.
Hey AEVA people - we definitely need to have this info on our web page.
Mark
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Electro Automotive
> Sent: Tuesday, 25 April 2006 4:25 AM
> To: ev@listproc.sjsu.edu
> Subject: Re: EVs in Australia?
>
>
>
> >I was wondering if there are any members of the list that have done
> >conversion in Australia, specifically around the Melbourne
> area? I plan on
> >starting a conversion as soon I have sold my petrol powered car and
> >I was wondering if there are any fellow EV'ers that could answer
> >Australian related questions such as where to source parts such as
> >motors and batteries or even companies to contact to get
> some things completed?
>
> Here's the list of Australian resources that I send to people
> who inquire:
>
> Australian Electric Vehicle Association http://www.aeva.asn.au
>
> Advanced DC motor: EV-motors, Kenthurst NSW
> http://www.evmotors.com.au/ - Dr. Michael Symons
>
> Curtis controllers, etc: Bylong Industries, Crows Nest NSW
> http://www.bylongind.com.au/ - Michael King
>
> Battery charger: Woods Battery Chargers, Thornton NSW
> http://woodsbatterychargers.com/ - Shaun Woods
>
> Trojan batteries: ALCO Battery Sales, Penrith NSW - 02 4722-2588
>
> Vacuum pump: Rietschle Thomas Australia, Seven Hills NSW
> http://www.rietschle.co.uk/company/contact_australia.asp
>
> Cables: Pro-Lec in Castle Hill 02 9680 4718
>
> Anderson Connectors: Ashdown Auto Electrical in Silverwater
> 02 9681 2711
>
> Adaptors: Cleveland Electronic Services
> http://members.austarmetro.com.au/~clevefj
>
> One person's list of parts, costs, and suppliers:
> http://www.electric-echo.com/prices.htm
>
> Shari Prange
> Electro Automotive POB 1113 Felton CA 95018-1113 Telephone
> 831-429-1989
> http://www.electroauto.com [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Electric Car Conversion Kits * Components * Books * Videos *
> Since 1979
>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
2006 Tour de Sol Is A Lab Of Automotive Innovation
Driving Toward Zero-Carbon Emissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Stef Komorowski (508) 698-6810, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Nancy Hazard (413) 774-6051, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
GREENFIELD, MA, April 24, 2006 - The 2006 Tour de Sol, May 10-14 at the
Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY, is a lab of automotive
innovation driving toward zero-carbon emissions. The teams conducting their
experiments and competing in the Tour de Sol competitions include inventors,
students and entrepreneurs from across the United States and Canada and as far
away as India.
The <http://www.nesea.org> Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA),
organizer of the Tour de Sol, invites the general public to come and see these
innovative vehicles on display on Saturday, May 13, 10:00 am-4:00 pm at the
Saratoga Automobile Museum's Spring Auto Show at the Saratoga Spa State Park.
NESEA also invites hybrid and biofuel vehicle owners to participate in a fun
Fuel Efficiency Rally, and put their vehicle on display. Also on display will
be hybrid, hydrogen, electric and natural-gas vehicles produced by auto and
electric-bike manufacturers as well as information about clean vehicles and
clean-vehicle programs.
Teams competing in the Tour de Sol Championship and Around Town Vehicle
Competition are looking for the smartest ways to reduce carbon emissions while
creating a quality, affordable vehicle. Strategies include:
1) Decreasing the use of fuel by increasing vehicle efficiency by making
their vehicles lighter and/or building a hybrid (internal-combustion and
electric) or electric vehicle instead of using the tried and true internal-
combustion engine; and
2) Switching from gasoline to some other fuel that does not emit as much
carbon, even when the full fuel cycle, from production to consumption, is taken
into account.
Teams compete in various technology categories and earn points for
practicality, acceleration, handling and range in addition to good fuel
efficiency and low climate-change emissions.
Among the 18 teams registered to compete in the Tour de Sol Championship are,
in alphabetical order:
1) Delhi College of Engineering in New Delhi, India, with a one-person
car; <http://www.dce.org>
2) St. Mark's School in Southboro, Massachusetts, with a solar-and
battery-powered electric pickup truck as well as a biodiesel car;
<http://www.stmarksschool.org>
3) West Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a
biodiesel car. <http://www.penn-partners.org/evteam/attack.htm>
Each team believes it has the right formula to be No. 1 in this year's Tour de
Sol.
Among the 11 teams registered to date in the Around Town Vehicle Competition
are, in alphabetical order:
1) Mount Everett High School in Sheffield, Massachusetts, with a
solar-assisted, battery-powered neighborhood electric vehicle;
<http://www.sbrsd.org>
2) Optibike LLC in Boulder, Colorado, with a high performance
pedal-assisted electric bicycle; <http://www.optibike.com>
3) Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for
the Deaf in Rochester, New York, with two electric bicycles.
<http://www.ntid.rit.edu>
The Tour de Sol Championship challenges students and others to build one-of-a
kind, practical and highway-worthy vehicles.
Anubhav Jain is a third-year student at Delhi College of Engineering (DCE) in
India, whose DCE Hybrid Car team has designed, built and entered a one-person
hybrid vehicle named "Fledge," in the "Student" division of the "Hybrid &
Alternative Fuel Vehicles" category of the "Championship" competition. His
says his team's primary goal with Fledge is to help lower the use of petroleum
gas, reduce harmful emissions and achieve a high-efficiency rating. "The
current hybrids available in this world are very expensive as compared to
normal cars, so we have tried to reduce the cost and we have tried to think of
simple systems by not using the complicated systems," he says, adding, " We are
making a vehicle for the common person in India who commutes to his office,
which is in the range of about 30 kilometers. So ... he has the option [with a
vehicle like ours] for electric mode, which has more range." He says it would
cost about $10,000 to go into production with Fledge. To hear an approximately
2-minute interview with Anubhav Jain, by NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3
format, visit Anubhav Jain. <http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/AnubhavJain.mp3>
Kenneth Wells is a teacher of physics and environmental chemistry at St.
Mark's School, whose EV Club has entered two vehicles in the "Championship"
competition. One is a 1994 Ford Ranger converted to a solar-and battery-
powered electric vehicle named "Woodstock," in the "Student" division of the
"Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicles" category. The other, is a 2000 Volkswagen
Jetta TDI converted to a vehicle powered with 100% biodiesel and named
"Moritz," in the "Student" division of the "Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Vehicles"
category. Wells says he approached this project with his physics-teacher hat
on, thinking that an electric-vehicle project would be great for his students
to do. "As we got into it, we discovered that inefficiency is a bad thing, from
a physicist's point of view, and we became more and more aware of the
environmental benefits of increased efficiency. It sort of snowballed from
there." The EV Club's first build was the electric vehicle named "Woodstock,"
a converted pickup truck that is powered by electricity generated completely by
wind and solar power -- giving it absolutely zero carbon emissions. Motivated
by that experience, Wells donned his environmental-teacher hat and got his
chemistry students also involved in the Tour de Sol project. He asked them to
examine producing biofuel from used fryer oil -- a process quite similar to
making soap and one that high school students can easily perform. The
resulting biodiesel is being used in Moritz, their VW Jetta. While it produces
carbon emissions when running, the plants the biodiesel is made from absorb
carbon dioxide while growing so the net effect is about 77% reduction in carbon
emissions compared to the original Jetta. Wells says the Woodstock electric-
conversion cost about $13,000 while the Moritz biodiesel-conversion required no
additional cost because switching a stock diesel vehicle to biodiesel "is about
as difficult as changing a gasoline car to premium fuel -- you just put
something different in the tank." To hear an approximately 4-minute interview
with Kenneth Wells, by NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3 format, visit Kenneth
Wells. <http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/KennethWells.mp3>
Simon Hauger is site administrator for the Automotive Academy at West
Philadelphia High School, whose EV Team has converted a kit car and entered a
biodiesel vehicle named "The Attack" in the "Student" division of the "Hybrid &
Alternative Fuel Vehicles" category of the "Championship" competition. During
the 2005 Tour de Sol, West Philadelphia was one of two student teams (the other
was Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington) that took top
honors with their purpose-built hybrid vehicles, which use biodiesel instead of
gasoline. The Attack produces 85% less climate-change emissions compared to a
conventional 27 MPG gas car. Several years ago, West Philly students and
teachers working together in a summer program came up with the idea of making a
hybrid car that was fun to drive and had high performance. Ever since, West
Philly has participated in the Tour de Sol. In 2003, according to Simon
Hauger, "the kids [on my team] were fascinated by the [hybrid] Honda Insight
and the [hybrid] Toyota Prius and were debating the dilemma of why they weren't
catching on faster [in the marketplace] than they are. What we came up with
is, they're not exciting cars. They get good gas mileage but they give up
performance. So their idea was to make a cool-looking sports car that did
both." Hence, the hybrid Attack, West Philly's entry in this year's Tour de
Sol. Hauger says it would cost about $50,000 to go into production with
Attack. To hear an approximately 2-minute interview with Simon Hauger, by
NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3 format, visit Simon Hauger
<http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/SimonHauger.mp3> .
The Around Town Vehicle Competition showcases vehicles that are designed to
meet our transportation needs in our communities as well as student projects
built for non-road use. Participating this year is a wide variety of electric
bikes, trikes and scooters, neighborhood electric vehicles, and various non-
road vehicles such as Electrathon vehicles and electric or solar-assisted
electric vehicles.
Paul O'Brien is technology coordinator of the Southern Berkshire Regional
School District. The Mount Everett High School, which is in the District, has
designed and built a solar-assisted, battery-powered neighborhood electric
vehicle named "Project e-3" (Project E Minus 3) in the "Student" division of
the "Neighborhood Electric Vehicles" category of the "Around-Town Vehicle"
competition. Neighborhood electric vehicles are for use on roads posted for 35
miles per hour or less. This year, his team will also bring an informative,
exciting display, in a 10-foot trailer, on renewable energy. Eight years ago,
O'Brien brought a winning team to the Tour de Sol. He says Project e-3's entry
is quite competitive for this year's Tour de Sol is "Usually [used] for gated
communities and small communities, primarily in the Southern warm states. We
added on the rear-bed solar panels, to [enable drivers] to leave your vehicle
outside in the sunlight and put a decent charge on it so that you can extend
the range of the vehicle from your normal charge." Project e-3 also contains a
solar-powered stereo system. "So it gives you solar sound, so to speak," he
says, adding, "You can listen to your tunes from solar power as well. It's
kind of a fun vehicle in that respect." Project e-3's base cost ranges from
$8,000 to $9,000, with an additional cost of $2,500 to $3,000 for the solar
panels and solar-powered stereo system. To hear an approximately 2-minute
interview with Paul O'Brien, by NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3 format, visit
Paul O'Brien. <http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/PaulOBrien.mp3>
Craig Weakley is marketing director of Optibike LLC, which has designed, built
and entered a high performance pedal-assisted electric bicycle named "Optibike
400" in the "Production" division" of the "Electric Bicycle & Tricycle
Vehicles" category of the "Around-Town Vehicles" as well as the
"Championship's" on-road range event. During the 2005 Tour de Sol, Optibike
400 won a first-place award. Optibike 400, which is a high-performance
machine, was not specifically designed for competition. However, Weakley says
it has done quite well competing in past Tour de Sols because it has a low
center of gravity, full suspension and disk brakes. "It really makes for quick,
agile handling [and] it's really balanced," Weakley says. "In the Tour de Sol,
I cruise at well over 30 miles an hour and I feel really comfortable on it."
Optibike LLC plans to go into production with 125 units of Optibike 400 later
this year at its Boulder facility, at a production cost of $5,500 per bike.
Optibike 400 has 90% of its parts produced in the U.S. To hear an approximately
2-minute interview with Craig Weakley, by NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3
format, visit Craig Weakley <http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/CraigWeakley.mp3> .
Scott Bellinger is assistant professor of automation technology at the
Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf
(NTID). The school's NTID E-Bike Club has designed, built and entered two
electric bicycles -- one, with pedal assist, and the other, without pedal
assist -- in the "Student" division. He says the competition is a range, not a
speed, race. "So now you're balancing the energy that's stored in the battery
system with how quickly you extract that energy using a motor and drivetrain,"
he says. "Plus, the whole time, [you're] trying to be as efficient as possible
so that you're not wasting your energy through heat or frictional losses either
in the drivetrain or even just air friction." He says these were the "main
drivers" for the design of NTID's non-pedal-assist bicycle, which is the newer
of its two entries. He says it would cost in the range of $300 to $600 to go
into production with the pedal-assist bicycle, which would require purchasing a
conversion kit for an existing bike, and $600 to $1,000 to go into production
with the non-pedal-assist bicycle, which would require building the bike from
scratch. To hear an approximately 3-minute interview with Scott Bellinger, by
NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3 format, visit Scott Bellinger
<http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/ScottBellinger.mp3> .
For a complete list of "Championship" and "Around Town" entries go to
http://www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/2006Entrants.php
Two other competitions for middle and high school students that will be held on
Saturday, May 13 at the 2006 Tour de Sol are "Junior Solar Sprint" and
"H2Help." Christopher Mason, education director of NESEA, says they get kids
to engage in problem solving so that they can bring innovative ideas to the
table to help us solve the climate -change challenge that we all face. Both of
these programs have kids working with model cars that have no tailpipe. One of
them uses sunlight directly to produce power and the other one uses battery-
stored energy, which could be produced from sunlight or fossil fuel, to
generate power. "So it opens up the conversation as to where do we want our
energy sources to come from, what energy sources do we want to use, how do we
get power for our transportation system, and what are the unwanted outputs,"
Mason says. "It's wonderful not to have that tailpipe, but it's also going to
be very important for students to explore renewable energy versus using fossil
fuels." To hear an approximately 2-minute interview with Christopher Mason, by
NESEA's Steve D'Agostino, in MP3 format, visit Christopher Mason.
<http://www.bestrateofclimb.com/ChristopherMason.mp3>
Premier sponsors of the 2006 Tour de Sol are the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority and the Center for Technology Commercialization.
Additional key sponsors are the following:
New York Power Authority
Saratoga Automobile Museum
New York State Office of Parks, Recreating and Historic Preservation
Saratoga Spa State Park
Eastern Biofuels
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Toyota
UK Trade & Investment
American Honda
Stewart's Shops
Kurkoski Solar Electric
Westboro Toyota
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
E-The Environmental Magazine
EIN Publishing
GreenBiz.com
The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, organizer of the Tour de Sol, is
the Northeast's leading organization of professionals and concerned citizens
working in sustainable energy and whole-systems thinking. NESEA facilitates
the widespread adoption and use of sustainable energy by providing support to
industry professionals and by educating and motivating consumers to learn
about, ask for and adopt sustainable-energy and green-building practices.
NESEA accomplishes this through conferences, K-12 educational resources, its
members and chapters, its Sustainable Yellow Pages, and public events.
Results will be announced to the news media on Sunday, May 14.
To find out more about the:
* Tour de Sol:
http://www.TourdeSol.org
* Entrants to date:
http://www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/2006Entrants.php
* Competition rules:
http://www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/2006rulesemail.php.
For a photo essay of last year's event, visit
www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/2005Highlights.php
To view news-media coverage of last year's event, visit
www.bestrateofclimb.com/TourDeSol2005.htm
To find out more about the Northeast Sustainable Energy Energy Association,
organizer of the Tour de Sol, visit
www.nesea.org
If you have questions, e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], or call 413.774.6051.
The 2006 Tour de Sol is Recommended for:
Anyone interested in learning more about advanced vehicles and driving
toward zero carbon emissions including:
the general public,
business and government leaders,
hybrid drivers,
biofuel-vehicle owners,
manufacturers,
students,
entrepreneurs,
& hobbyists.
Organizer
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
http://nesea.org
Premier Sponsors
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
http://www.nyserda.org
Center for Technology Commercialization http://www.ctc.org
Event-Site Hosts
Saratoga Spa State Park http://www.saratogaspastatepark.org/
Saratoga Automobile Museum http://www.saratogaautomuseum.com/
--
Mike Bianchi
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Thanks everyone for the comments!
Rod-
So you're the one with the mongo Schottkys! :-P
Thank you, but based on Lee's comments, I'm going to try some fast
recovery diodes.
I guess I'll get 50 of these and try to match 10:
Ixys DSEI 60-06A, 600 V, 60 A, trr 35ns, $3.34 each for 50 from
Digikey
http://www.ixys.com/93022.pdf
Think 50 is enough to get 10 that are reasonably well matched?
For matching, I guess I'll fashion a constant current source at 50 A,
wait until the temperature stabilizes, and measure the voltage. Do
that for each one and pick 10 that are about the same. Sound good?
Brad Baylor
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(PV Prius)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/county_news/article/0%2C1375%2CVCS_226_4644619%2C00.html
County Earth Day events celebrate renewed interest
By Carolyn Quinn, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
April 23, 2006
Hundreds of Ventura County residents picked up litter, planted
trees and viewed exhibits about compost Saturday during events
organized for Earth Day.
[...]
Exhibitors Mark Bagnall and Greg Johanson touted their PV Prius,
a solar panel that goes on top of the Toyota Prius hybrid car and
helps it get more miles per gallon.
"People who buy the Prius, as well as the solar panel, are doing
it because they don't want to cause pollution, not just because
of the high gasoline prices," Bagnall said.
[...]
2006 © The E.W. Scripps Co. Ventura County Star
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
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EVLN(LiX-75: The 200-mph Electric Car)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.chemistrynews.it/pages_1945191.html
Meet LiX-75: The 200-mph Electric Car
April 10, 2006 7:40AM
"It's the environmentalist mid-life crisis vehicle," says Richard
Griffiths, head of business development at Hybrid. "It's a sports
car that performs like a Porsche Boxster, looks like a Ferrari,
and has zero emissions."
You want to do right by Planet Earth. You want to drive a car
that's easy on the environment. But most electric vehicles look
like glorified golf carts. And you'd have to look like Leonardo
DiCaprio to get lucky in a Prius. A fledging Las Vegas-based
company called Hybrid Technologies thinks it has the solution.
Hybrid will launch a car it calls LiX-75 at the New York Auto
Show on Apr. 14. The sleek, $125,000 sports car runs off of
electric batteries, boosted by solar panels on the trunk.
It recharges in four to six hours from a regular three-prong
electric socket. And the company claims it will go from zero to
60 miles per hour in three seconds and hit a top speed of 200
miles per hour.
"It's the environmentalist mid-life crisis vehicle," says Richard
Griffiths, head of business development at Hybrid. "It's a sports
car that performs like a Porsche Boxster, looks like a Ferrari,
and has zero emissions."
'Next Generation'
The LiX will utilize lithium ion batteries, big versions of the
kind that power laptop computers. Because they can store more
energy and degrade less quickly when not in use than the nickel
metal hydride batteries used in hybrid cars today, they're
rapidly becoming the technology of choice for electric-car
developers.
"Lithium chemistry is widely acknowledged to be the next
generation of battery power," says Lindsay Brooke, senior editor
of the Society of Automotive Engineer's magazine.
Hybrid Technologies is banking on it. The company has had a
roundabout route to electric power. Previously called Whistler
Investments, it has been involved in everything from mining, real
estate, and oil and gas to medical software and a coffee
franchise.
Griffiths says the company is now making electric-powered
versions of PT Cruisers, Chrysler Crossfires and Mini Coopers for
customers such as N.A.S.A., the British government and the state
of California.
The LiX -- the name is a play on the periodic chart symbol for
lithium, Li -- is similarly taking an existing car frame and
plopping in an electric motor. In this case, it's a car called
the Mullen GT, made by tiny Mullen Motor of Los Angeles. Arthur
Allen, owner of the company, says the Hybrid Technologies
collaboration happened by chance.
He has been selling a gasoline version of the GT for the past
five years. In January, he brought one to the big consumer
electronics show in Las Vegas, only as a model to show off an
entirely different product. His snazzy ride caught the eye of a
Hybrid Technologies rep attending the show and a deal was cut,
putting Hybrid's engine in Mullen's car.
Coming Soon
Griffiths says the LiX will take four to six hours to charge and
get about 100 miles from each visit to the plug. He says the
company will be ready to start delivering the cars in about eight
weeks from a new 40,000-square-foot production facility it built
in Mooresville, N.C.
The high-end electric car market has been tapped before with
limited success. San Dimas (Calif.) based AC Propulsion launched
a 200 mph electric sports car called the tzero in 2002. Another
curvy electric, the Venturi, made its debut at the Los Angeles
Auto Show in 2005. It cost a staggering $660,000.
"If you've got that much money to spend, people are looking at
conventional sports cars that might gain in value," Cogan says.
"It's way beyond the reach of most early adopters and
environmentalists who might step up to the plate."
But Anthony Pratt, alternative-fuel specialist at automotive
research J.D. Power & Assoc., sees a bright side to Hybrid's
efforts. "What vehicles like this accomplish is raising awareness
about this new technology," he says. "It helps to shatter the
perception that electric and hybrid-electric vehicles lack
performance." And someday that'll mean more sexy,
environmentally-friendly cars.
© 2006 Business Week Online. All rights reserved.
© 2006 Sci-Tech Today. All rights reserved.
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Electric motorcycle gets 180 km per charge)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.canadaeast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060422/TTMONEY10/604220465/-1/MONEY
As published on page B2 on April 22, 2006
Electric motorcycle gets 180 km per charge (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Jiro Saito, vice-president of Japanese electric vehicle
manufacturer Axle, rides an Axle EV-X7 electric motorcycle. The
bike is powered by a new hybrid magnetic motor, developed with
its partner company General Corp. The vehicle can travel at
speeds up to 150 kilometres per hour and has a range of 180
kilometres (112 miles) on one charge. The battery can be charged
at home and the vehicle is said to be noiseless.
===
http://blogs.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/04042006105606MWECH5.htm
New Hybrid Motorcycle; Axle EV-X7 Categories: Electrical
Woow, talk about Sci-Fi. Here's a new electric motorcycle
produced by the Japanese manufacturer Axle. The EV-X7 uses a
hybrid magnetic engine, allowing the electric motorcycle to
travel 180 kilometers (112 miles) on a single charge.
Japanese electric vehicle manufacturer Axle unveils a new
electric motorcycle EV-X7 powered by new hybrid magnetic motor
SUMO, developed with its partner company Genesis Corp. in Tokyo
April 4, 2006. The magnetic motor - a hybrid of a electromagnet
and a permanent magnet - greatly enhances energy efficiency and
allows the electric motorcycle to travel up to 180 kilometres
(112 miles) on one charge, the makers said. REUTERS/Toshiyuki
Aizawa
===
[
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20060404/i/r1639356537.jpg
]
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
' ____
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'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor, RE & AFV newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(42,000 Mexican electric taxi cab order)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060424/lam092.html?.v=48
Press Release Source: Armor Electric, Inc.
Armor Announces Funding Obtained for Completion of Mexico City
Taxi Cab Project Monday April 24, 12:28 pm ET
SOLANA BEACH, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Armor
Electric, Inc. announces the company has completed financing in
the form of a 'convertible note' with a substantial Investment
Group in San Diego, California. This financing includes an
initial payment to Armor of $215,000 USD and further payments up
to a total of $600,000 USD to Armor based on the performance of
agreed to 'milestones' between the parties.
This funding will allow Armor to fulfill the company's
obligations to the Joint Venture in the production of the
electric propulsion systems for the Mexico Taxi Cab project and
for the further R&D to complete additional electric vehicle
projects already in progress between the Joint Venture partners.
The first commercial taxi cab vehicles are in the process of
being shipped by Hero from India to the Las Vegas facility. Armor
expects these units to be installed with the 'electric propulsion
system' and fully tested and inspected by the Mexico taxi cab
company within the next two weeks. The first order under the
42,000 electric taxi cab vehicle order will be completed between
the principles at that time. This first commercial contract will
be a milestone day for Armor and the 'Strategic Partners of
Armor.
With this initial funding, the Investment Group made a further
commitment to provide additional funds to Armor on an 'as need
to' basis in the event the company is able to acquire, produce or
develop any new technology which will enhance Armor's advancement
in the electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle industry for
today's markets.
About Armor Electric, Inc.
Armor Electric, Inc. (www.armorelectric.com) is a leader in the
design, manufacture, and distribution of electric battery power
drive systems for land and water vehicles.
For further information, please contact: Investor Relations,
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
This information may include forward-looking statements [...]
Source: Armor Electric, Inc.
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
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EVLN(Airbus using a fleet of Smith EVs to increase plant
efficiencies)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.earthtoys.com/news.php?section=view&id=1322
AIRBUS UK IMPROVES EFFICIENCIES WITH SMITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Visit http://www.smithelectricvehicles.com for further information.
Airbus UK Ltd is using a fleet of battery powered vehicles from
Smith Electric Vehicles to increase efficiencies at its plant in
England.
A LEADING aircraft manufacturer is boosting productivity, thanks
to Smith Electric Vehicles. Airbus UK Ltd has bought a range of
battery powered vehicles for use at its facility in Filton, near
Bristol, which manufactures wing components. The company invested
in a small fleet of battery powered vehicles as part of a drive
to increase efficiency.
David Herbert, change agent for Filtons business improvement
team, said: Using electric vehicles has greatly speeded up the
flow of parts through the business, making us slicker and more
efficient.
It has reduced our lead times by several days. Mr Herberts team
was faced with the challenge of how to increase the flow of
materials across a huge site, which incorporates two facilities
at the top and bottom of a hill.
Airbus bought five Smith Titan tow trucks to transport mobile
racks and storage cages between production cells.
The advantage of using electric vehicles is they are zero
emission, said Mr Herbert.
Our old diesel vans could only go as far as the factory door,
then we had to manually move the parts to where they were
needed.
Electric vehicles can carry the parts inside and direct to the
relevant production cell, giving us a much more efficient flow of
materials. Filton has also invested in two Smith ST150s - 7.5
tonne battery powered trucks fitted with tail lifts - to carry
complete wing panel kits down the hill to another building, for
sub-assembly.
Airbus took advantage of Smiths bespoke design/build service to
increase the width of ST150 vehicles, so they could carry four
wing section kits at once. Filton is Airbus centre of
excellence for wing design. It employs more than 6,000 staff in
the design, manufacture and assembly of wing components.
Mr Herbert said: Our business is growing rapidly to meet demand
for single aisle aircraft from the low cost airlines.
We had already reduced process times, so it was vital to increase
the flow of parts.
Smith Electric Vehicles, based in the North East of England, is
the worlds oldest commercial electric vehicle manufacturer. It
is part of the Tanfield Group Plc, a fast growing company listed
on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
Stuart Jollie, general sales manager for Smith Electric Vehicles,
said: Airbus is one of an increasing number of household name
manufacturers to recognise the benefits of electric vehicles.
Our vehicles can make a manufacturer leaner and more competitive.
Not only are they zero emission, but they have lower maintenance
costs and a longer life cycle than diesel or petrol engine
vehicles. ENDS
For further details, visit the website,
www.smithelectricvehicles.com, or contact:
Dan Jenkins
Media Relations Manager
Tanfield Group
Tel: 01207 523327
Mob: 07725 784089
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
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