EV Digest 2861
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Re: OT?: bicycle hub engine powered by gasoline
by ItalysBadBoy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
2) MB80 third cycle, conditioner thoughts
by [EMAIL PROTECTED]
3) Re: Test
by "tgleeman2" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
4) Lectra Seat and Misc parts wanted
by "David Chapman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
5) BBC News
by "Carroll, Matt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
6) Re: EL Chopper
by "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
7) June 29th EV Race
by "Mark Hanson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
8) RE: EL Chopper
by "Shelton, John D. AW2" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
9) RE: Ten EV-145's for sale or trade in Los Angeles area
by "Chris Tromley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
10) Re: Test
by "damon henry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
11) EVLN(?Can PZEVs partially drive in the car pool lanes?)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
12) EVLN(DIP-IPMs for EV motor inverter drives)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
13) EVLN(Goingreen Reva G-Wiz UK EV rentals)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
14) EVLN(Key West EV and Ebike rentals)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
15) EVLN(CA sues Corbin's inner circle life$tyle)-long
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
16) EVLN(?Yolo/Solano public EV charging?)
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
17) EVLN(?Jeb jams Arbusto onto segway to win eco election votes?)-long
by Bruce EVangel Parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
--- Begin Message ---
Notice how he shows the nice shiny disc side. I
wonder why he doesn't show the side that has the
ugly engine hanging off the side? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
:-/
Allan
"David (Battery Boy) Hawkins"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:All,
Just when I thought the brown cloud on the front
range of Colorado couldn't
get any worse, I see this article in the
newspaper!
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~33~1461300,00.html
And how about this quote from the article:
"This is an ingenious solution to a
transportation problem," said Fields,
whose consulting practice extends worldwide.
"With the e-bikes, you can
only go so far before you are out of juice and
stuck in the middle of
nowhere. With the gasoline-powered bikes, you can
travel about 200
miles on 1 gallon and fuel up just about
anywhere."
Does this sound familiar? And you can't find more
electrical outlets than
gas pumps? This is sad!
I couldn't find an e-mail address for the writer,
Vicky Lio, but
[EMAIL PROTECTED] might work. Unfortunately,
I'll be very busy through
the weekend, so I'll e-mail other Denver Electric
Vehicle Council members
who might want to contact the writer to see if
the Denver Post would print
a story about e-bikes and cars, and how they can
be "fueled just about
anywhere"!
Dave (B.B.) Hawkins
Officer with the Denver Electric Vehicle Council
http://www.devc.org/
Lyons, CO
1979 Mazda RX-7 EV (192V of YT's, for the 17
year-old son!)
1989 Chevy S10 Ext. Cab (144V of floodies, for Ma
and Pa only!)
=====
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for
Nature cannot be fooled." --- Richard P. Feynman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember the following first rule of disinformation analysis: truth is specific, lie
is vague. Always look for palpable details in reporting and if the picture is not in
focus, there must be reasons for it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
__________________________________
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SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
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--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hello: Well I've terrified Victor Tikhonov (who has sold me a GORGEOUS Brusa charger)
by departing from the Evercel recommended charging regime, and
Rich/Joe will probably think I'm a pansy for not screwing the amps up to the roof.
Truth is, I have two "extra" MB80's to "play" with. If Evercel is really cheap and
Manzanita Micro is really nice I might send them the second potential abuse victim.
That is: if they agree to whomp it, post results, not interrupt the charge/discharge
abuse, and the EVDL all tell me to send a poor unsuspecting MB80 to them. The Evercel
algorithm is 11 amps CC for 386 minutes or 15.8 volts at 25C, whichever
comes first, followed by an hour at 5 amps CC. Due to Rich's post I have fudged the
5amp CC phase a bit longer. Last night I "overcharged" for a couple of hours
longer at 5 amps and then pulled 76.9 amp hours out of this batt (which has a
nameplate of a 64 amphour capacity). I haven't yet hooked up the Automagic brains
and temp monitor that I intend to add, so the overcharge period was directly related
to my bedtime. This poor abuse beast is charging now and I will add another
5AH if it will take it. Right now my temp calibration is my NIST certified left hand
and it ain't getting warm. Internal resistance has dropped in these three cycles
from 25 milliOhms to 23 milliOhms.
I've uploaded some pics: of the battery, the charge profile and temp compensation from
the manual, and my copper tubing cooling system to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Evercel-EV/ and ummmm, the ability to store pics and
files is one advantage of the Yahoo system IMHO. I shall expunge the
meaningless eMeter fields and upload a charge and discharge spreadsheet of the third
cyle referenced above, when it is done. I'd like comments on the charge
algorithm, whether to send Rich/Joe a battery, and remarks on my (work in process)
conditioning rig described below.
I was able to buy two Sorensen DLM 20-30 600W DC Power Supplies on eBay. One of these
is now in a nice plywood cabinet with the battery on top and an
eMeter at the rear. Pics to follow as it gets finished. I will soon (next week I
hope) be able to automagically control the Sorensen in two charge steps, monitor 4
temp sensors, start/stop the discharge load (presently 3 spare VW Cabrio headlights
and 3 50Watt RV bulbs totalling 21 amps), and log the eMeter data on a java
TINI. My inteneded regime is as follows:
1) start logging
2) measure starting internal resistance
3) start discharge
4) terminate discharge
5) measure internal resistance
6) start two step timed and temp compensated charge
7) terminate charge
8) measure internal resistance
9) stop logging
Once (if) I accomplish all that with the conditioner, I will cycle the first of two
parallel strings of 10 MB80's 3x each (I guess) as they seem to need at least this
much
break-in before going into the car. Victor provided a formula which said that at
these break-in impedances (25 milliOhms and hopefully headed south) and a 50
amp draw, each batt might be generating 60watts of heat. While my intended cooling
system can move 3gpm of coolant by the batteries I don't think I want to take
on this heating load. The pic of the cooling system shows one copper strip soldered
on to the tubing; a Physics PhD is convincing me i need more contact area, in
addition to liberal heatsink goo, between the cooling tubing and the bottom of the
MB80's metal case. Ugh! Roger Stockton is worried about the heat exchange part
of this system but I have a handy 30,000 gallon heat sink (read swimming pool) which
is about 15' and ambient minus (20-30) degrees F about 15 feet from the rear
bumper from where the car normally charges. Heck, the wife won't mind a few loops of
Norprene tubing in the pool!
Coments? Criticisms? Corrections?
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
David Chapman wrote:
> Hi all,
> I am in the process of migrating to IE 6 and a regular ISP and configuring
> my OE to output all my mail in plain text. Yep, after all these years
> leaving the "comfort" of AOL. I would appreciate it if someone would let
me
> know how this looks to the list, either plain text or HTML. I bought IE 6
> for Dummies (Frys didn't have IE 6 for Real Dummies and ex AOL) users and
I
> want to make sure I followed the directions to set plain text and am
posting
> correctly.
>Thanks in advance.
>DC.
Your E-mail looks fine to me, Dave.
Tom Gleeman
San Diego, CA
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Awhile back I heard someone had a spare Lectra Seat that they would part
with, but I have forgotten who they were. Also, looking for the OEM style
tail light unit. Also looking for a couple of controllers, 1 around 300 A @
48-72 V the other needs to be closer to 500 A. If you have any of the above
to sell/trade please get back to me. Besides the stuff I have listed on the
Tradin Post, I have a large aircraft generator that I am probably not going
to use, a spare NOS Lectra frame, and I might have a few SVR-14s and
SVR-30s that I could part with (Rick P, if you can think of anything else
help me out here) Thanks, David Chapman.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_yorkshire/2997426.stm
Thought you all might like to read this.
Matt Carroll
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disclosure, reproduction, distribution or other dissemination or use of this
communication is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the sender. The
views expressed in this email are those of the individual and not necessarily those of
Sony or Sony affiliated companies. Sony email is for business use only.
This email and any response may be monitored by Sony United Kingdom Limited.
(04)
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--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hello all. This concept would sell big in San Francisco. 48v and keep it
right around 180 to 200 pounds of Hawkers or some such sealed battery(maybe
4 optimas but that's a little light). If it were kept under 30 mph it could
be a moped. With that ratio it would also be one hell of a hill climber.
Just a thought. Handling and range would have to be real good. If it
looked as good as that picture it would indeed sell. Lawrence Rhodes.......
----------------------------------------------------
This mailbox protected from junk email by Matador
from MailFrontier, Inc. http://info.mailfrontier.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Roderick Wilde" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: EL Chopper
> At our request John has redone a set of plans that will be available soon
> through EV Parts that uses the Etek motor. It should be a real fun ride!
I'm
> waiting to hear from our local fabrication shop for a bid on doing the
frame
> for me so we can have a "test mule" (read another toy) for here at the
shop.
> We're just trying to keep up with the amount of toys that Brian at
> "Thunderstruck Motors" has :-)
>
> Roderick
>
> Roderick Wilde
> Vintage Golf Cart Parts
> Specializing in Parts for Harley and many other mature carts
> www.vintagegolfcartparts.com
> E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Phone: 360-385-4868
> Fax: 360-385-7922
> 107 Louisa Street
> Port Townsend, WA 98368
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David (Battery Boy) Hawkins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "EV Discussion List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 12:18 PM
> Subject: RE: EL Chopper
>
>
> > All,
> > This was designed by John Bidwell, a NEDRA record holder here in
Colorado.
> > And this concept has been ridden by numerous Denver Electric Vehicle
> > Council members!
> >
> > Dave (B.B.) Hawkins
> > Officer with the Denver Electric Vehicle Council
> > http://www.devc.org/
> > Lyons, CO
> > 1979 Mazda RX-7 EV (192V of YT's, for the 17 year-old son!)
> > 1989 Chevy S10 Ext. Cab (144V of floodies, for Ma and Pa only!)
> >
> > >From: "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > >Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 03:56:47 -0700
> > >
> > >http://www.21wheels.com/elchopper.html Very cool concept. Lawrence
> > >Rhodes......
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
* LP8.2: HTML/Attachments detected, removed from message *
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Roderick,
Let us know as soon as these plans are available. I REALLY want to
build this thing and was thinking the Etek motor would be perfect.
John Shelton
-----Original Message-----
From: Roderick Wilde [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 5:14 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: EL Chopper
At our request John has redone a set of plans that will be available soon
through EV Parts that uses the Etek motor. It should be a real fun ride! I'm
waiting to hear from our local fabrication shop for a bid on doing the frame
for me so we can have a "test mule" (read another toy) for here at the shop.
We're just trying to keep up with the amount of toys that Brian at
"Thunderstruck Motors" has :-)
Roderick
Roderick Wilde
Vintage Golf Cart Parts
Specializing in Parts for Harley and many other mature carts
www.vintagegolfcartparts.com
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: 360-385-4868
Fax: 360-385-7922
107 Louisa Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
----- Original Message -----
From: "David (Battery Boy) Hawkins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "EV Discussion List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 12:18 PM
Subject: RE: EL Chopper
> All,
> This was designed by John Bidwell, a NEDRA record holder here in Colorado.
> And this concept has been ridden by numerous Denver Electric Vehicle
> Council members!
>
> Dave (B.B.) Hawkins
> Officer with the Denver Electric Vehicle Council
> http://www.devc.org/
> Lyons, CO
> 1979 Mazda RX-7 EV (192V of YT's, for the 17 year-old son!)
> 1989 Chevy S10 Ext. Cab (144V of floodies, for Ma and Pa only!)
>
> >From: "Lawrence Rhodes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 03:56:47 -0700
> >
> >http://www.21wheels.com/elchopper.html Very cool concept. Lawrence
> >Rhodes......
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Aubrey Wilder wrote:
> This is my first EV, so used batteries are okay since I'll
> probably kill them anyway, but I'd like to get at least a
> year's worth of power from them. I'd like to get batteries
> with L brackets on them as I've heard these are the best
> kind, but threaded posts would work too since I already have
> that kind of cable.
Hi Aubrey,
Congratulations on your first EV! I'm not a candidate for these
batteries, but I thought I'd respond to your comments.
The L posts work well for high current draws, but the the automotive
posts are just as good or better. It's a matter of contact area. The
automotive posts also have the advantage that a cable can approach the
post from any angle. That could be a major convenience in cabling up
your pack.
Of course automotive posts require automotive lugs. If your cables
don't have them, stick with the L posts. DO NOT use the threaded posts
available on some batteries. They are not designed for the current
draws a typical EV sees. They are made by casting bolts into the lead
posts. When you attach a cable and tighten the bolt, you're squeezing
the lead between the bolt head and the cable lug. Lead is soft enough
to flow, so the connection can become loose. It's an open invitation
for a high-resistance connection, which causes heat, which softens the
lead more, so it flows, etc., etc. until you melt the post.
Some have used threaded posts and dodged the bullet. There are too many
tales of woe concerning threaded posts to consciously decide to use them
over L or automotive posts if you have the choice.
Chris
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
David,
As the official EVDL HTML monitor I would like to welcome you to the world
of plain text! Everything looks great.
damon
From: "David Chapman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Test
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 21:42:47 -0700
Hi all,
I am in the process of migrating to IE 6 and a regular ISP and configuring
my OE to output all my mail in plain text. Yep, after all these years
leaving the "comfort" of AOL. I would appreciate it if someone would let me
know how this looks to the list, either plain text or HTML. I bought IE 6
for Dummies (Frys didn't have IE 6 for Real Dummies and ex AOL) users and I
want to make sure I followed the directions to set plain text and am
posting
correctly. Thanks in advance. DC.
_________________________________________________________________
The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(?Can PZEVs partially drive in the car pool lanes?)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
Civic Hybrid First Hybrid Vehicle to Earn Advanced
Technology Partial Zero Emissions (AT-PZEV) Status
Civic Hybrid and Civic GX Are First Two AT-PZEV Vehicles
TORRANCE, Calif., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2003 Honda
Civic Hybrid is the first-ever hybrid vehicle to earn
certification as an Advanced Technology Partial
Zero-Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) from California's Air
Resources Board (CARB), adding to a long list of Honda
firsts in environmental technology leadership.
The 2003 Civic Hybrid, currently sold in California, is the
only hybrid vehicle to achieve this stringent emissions
level, producing about 90-percent fewer smog-forming engine
emissions than required of a typical new vehicle. The Civic
Hybrid joins the natural gas-powered Civic GX as the only
two vehicles to achieve AT-PZEV status under California's
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program. In addition to the
air quality benefits provided, the Civic Hybrid contributes
to energy security and reduces green house gas emissions by
delivering high fuel efficiency in a five-passenger sedan.
"Honda's leadership in introducing cleaner vehicles is the
result of our longstanding commitment to the development of
new technologies like hybrids and fuel cells, and the
introduction of these technologies to the market as early as
possible," said Gunnar Lindstrom, senior manager of
Alternative Fuel Vehicles at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
"We have demonstrated that near zero emission gasoline
vehicles, hybrids and natural gas vehicles are each an
effective path to improving air quality."
To achieve the AT-PZEV emissions classification, a vehicle
must be a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) with zero
evaporative emissions and must carry a 15-year/150,000-mile
warranty on emissions equipment.
"This is a significant accomplishment for Honda and an
important step toward cleaner air for the citizens of this
state," said Alan Lloyd, chairman of California's Air
Resources Board. "It speaks to Honda's commitment to
technology leadership and the emphasis they have placed on
reducing vehicle emissions to extremely low levels."
In keeping with the company's commitment to environmental
technology leadership, Honda has consistently led the
industry in meeting new emissions requirements. Every 2003
Honda model achieves Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) status or
better. Honda also has the highest Corporate Average Fuel
Economy (CAFE) rating among the 10 major automakers.
In December 2002, Honda introduced the FCX, the first and
only hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle to receive both EPA
and CARB certification for regular commercial use. The City
of Los Angeles has begun a lease program for five Honda FCX
vehicles, the world's first commercial application of a fuel
cell vehicle.
Other Honda clean air innovations include:
-- Civic ULEV (September 2001) -- the first mass-market
vehicle sold nationwide as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
(ULEV);
-- Accord SULEV (November 1999) -- the first vehicle to
gain Super-Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification in
California;
-- Insight (December 1999) -- the first gasoline-electric
hybrid car sold in the United States. Achieved highest
EPA fuel economy rating ever and CARB SULEV status
(CVT), ULEV (MT);
-- Civic GX (April 1998) -- the natural gas-powered Civic
is the cleanest internal combustion engine vehicle ever
tested by the EPA;
-- EV Plus (May 1997) -- the first application of advanced
nickel-metal hydride batteries in an electric vehicle;
-- Accord ULEV (September 1997) -- the first
gasoline-powered vehicle to gain Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle certification in California;
-- Civic (September 1995) -- the first gasoline-powered
vehicle to gain Low Emission Vehicle certification in
California.
-- Civic CVCC (1975) -- the world's first vehicle to comply
with the 1970 Clean Air Act using lean burn technology
that produced fewer emissions based on the enhanced
performance of the engine (without a catalytic
converter).
For related press releases, press kit information, and image
downloads, please visit www.hondanews.com . SOURCE
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. CO: American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.; California's Air Resources Board; CARB ST:
California SU: Web site: http://www.hondanews.com
http://www.prnewswire.com 06/12/2003 13:44 EDT
-
=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
=====
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(DIP-IPMs for EV motor inverter drives)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=5322
Mitsubishi Electric Introduces World's First Super High
Reliable DIP-IPM Product
Tokyo, Japan, June. 19, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation today introduced a super high
reliability Dual-In-Line Package Intelligent Power Module
(DIP-IPM) targeted for motor inverter drives of electric car
air conditioners and other Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) auxiliary machines. This
DIP-IPM product is the first of its kind in the world.
Traditional DIP-IPMs are mainly used for inverter drives in
home appliances such as room air conditioners, washing
machines and refrigerators. The super high reliability
DIP-IPM is also suitable for automobile applications, thus
contributing to the miniaturization of automobile inverter
drive systems.
The increased use of energy-saving air conditioners in green
automobiles (HEV, FCEV) is in response to environmental
concerns. To meet this need, smaller and more reliable IPMs
are required in the inverter drives of electric car air
conditioner compressors and other auxiliary motors. The
application of DIP-IPMs in electric automobiles is expected
to contribute to the miniaturization of inverter drive
systems in other auxiliary motors as well.
There are three main features for this application: 1. High
Reliability with Reduced Mounting Surface Area Development
of high quality IPMs should improve product performance in
harsh environmental conditions. Failure probability has been
greatly minimized through quality control management. The
temperature cycle capability has been improved considerably
by employing the new structure power chips
(IGBT[2]��FWD[3]��HVIC[4]��LVIC[5]). By using the new IPM,
the mounting surface area of the device and its interface
circuit is reduced by about 40 percent, compared with
traditional IPMs with the same 30A/600V rating. This results
in considerable space savings.
2. High Active Drive Logic
The start up sequence of the control supply is required as a
countermeasure against possible malfunctions during the
control supply power on-and-off period in a traditional IPM
system. With the high active drive logic, this requirement
is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the new approach offers
a versatile interface compatible to 3V class MCU or DSP.
3. EMI[6] Noise Reduction
By optimizing the switching speed, EMI noise in the new
DIP-IPM has been reduced by about 10db in comparison with
traditional products.
Availability
Product (PS21867-AJ) samples will be available in March 2004
at 5,000 Japan yen per piece with monthly mass production of
20,000 pieces scheduled to begin from January 2005.
__________
Definitions
[1] Transfer-mold --Injecting heated and pressurized resin
to a sealed container (metallic mold) then applying
pressure to form the shape. The productivity is highly
efficient since multiple shaping is possible in a single
process.
[2] Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor --Power device with
features suitable for high switching operations and
voltage drives similar to MOS-FET, and low on state
voltage like that of a bipolar transistor.
[3] Free Wheeling Diode --Diode for carrying freewheeling
current
[4] High Voltage Integrated Circuit --Integrated circuit
with blocking voltage over 50V for the drive and
protection of switching semiconductor devices.
[5] Low Voltage Integrated Circuit --Integrated circuit with
blocking voltage under 50V for the drive and protection
of switching semiconductor devices.
[6] Electromagnetic Interference --The electromagnetic waves
generated by electronic machines interfere with the
proper operation of other electronic machines.
[...]
Contact: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Robert Barz
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 03-3218-2346 June. 19, 2003,
18:36 (JST) Source: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
global.mitsubishielectric.com/ From the Japan Corporate News
Network http://www.japancorp.net Topic: New Product Sectors:
Auto Parts & Equipment, Electronic Components, Electronics
General, Auto General
Copyright � 2003 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A
division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
-
=====
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor & RE newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
=====
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Goingreen Reva G-Wiz UK EV rentals)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_yorkshire/2997426.stm
Going green with the watt car
By David Miller BBC News Online in Leeds Electric cars
The cars are made in India and have a top speed of 40mph
I have driven smaller cars than the G-Wiz but not outside of
the fairground.
Now all the fun of the dodgem cars can be yours in Leeds -
minus the bumps - for just �1 an hour.
The city has been chosen for trials for this new way of
getting around town.
A company called Goingreen is renting the electric cars as
an environmentally-friendly alternative to petrol or
diesel-powered transport.
India visit
The cars based at the company's offices near Leeds Parish
Church are all imported from Bangalore in India where they
have become a trendy means of transport.
They were spotted by Steven Cain, the former chief executive
of television company Carlton Communications, who lives near
Leeds.
He decided there must be a market for the G-Wiz in crowded
European cities.
Running the Leeds office is 24-year-old Joe Byars who gave
up a career in investment banking in London "for the chance
of doing something different."
Inside of electric car
All the cars have leather seats and a radio
He said: "This is a fun, exciting project. Leeds is a great
place to launch this kind of thing."
The G-Wiz has room for two adults and two small children
plus a small amount of luggage space.
At first I felt a little vulnerable in something that makes
a Smart car seem big.
But that soon passes and is replaced by the fun of being in
a car that can nip through traffic almost without a sound.
Leeds Loop
Top speed is claimed to be 40mph, but I could have nudged a
little more on a downhill stretch near Roundhay Park.
Generally it is easy enough to keep up with the traffic with
just one pedal to get it to go and one to stop it.
But you soon learn to keep to the inside lane when going up
uphill on a dual carriageway.
The G-Wiz can go 40 miles before it needs plugging to a 13
amp socket for a recharge.
Taking it back to Goingreen, I decided to go for another
turn round the Leeds Loop just for the fun of it.
Between meetings
Mr Byars says design agencies and PR firms are showing
interest in the G-Wiz as a quick and eye-catching way of
visiting clients.
Leeds City Council's planning department already leases one
for officers to use to get between meetings.
To rent every now and then you have to pay �10 to join the
Goingreen "club".
After that, hiring one costs �1 an hour with a minimum
charge of �15.
There is no petrol to buy and you have the satisfaction of
knowing you are one car user who is not adding to the
traffic fumes in Leeds.
===
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=24678
Reva to divest 25% equity GIRISH RAO
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2003 02:02:11 AM ]
BANGALORE: India�s first electric vehicle (EV) maker Reva
will divest up to 25% of its equity capital in favour of two
entities -- a domestic and an international financial
institution (FI). The equity capital of the company is Rs 12
crore.
The valuation of the company has been done by Ernst & Young
and another agency. While refusing to divulge the exact
figure, Reva Electric Car Co�s (RECC) managing director
Chetan Maini admitted that the divestment to the FIs will be
at a �substantial premium�.
Around 70% of the equity in the company is held by the
Bangalore-based Maini Group while the rest is with an
American autotech company, AEVT. The debt component is to
the tune of Rs 15 crore raised from ICICI among others. RECC
has invested close to $20 million (Rs 96 crore) on the EV
car project, most coming from the promoter Maini Group. Over
the next couple of years, it proposes to invest another $15
million to support R&D activity and ramp up production
capacity from the present 6,000 units a year to around
50,000 cars per annum in five years. Mr Maini said talks
were already on with some FIs. Both the promoters will
together give up between 20-25% of equity. Mr Maini pointed
out that Reva is possibily the cheapest EV in the world.
Most other EVs, such as the Ford Think, are priced nearly
three times that of Reva.
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http://www.keynoter.com/news/20030618s15.html
Publication Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2003
City to scoop up OK for ice-cream shop
Previous holdup was for waiver for parking spaces
By Christie Phillips [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Despite concerns about parking, a proposal to open an
old-fashioned ice cream parlor at 1110 White St. is moving
on to the Key West Planning Board Thursday night.
[...]
on Thursday, the Planning Board is expected to:
o Review an application to run an electric-car rental
business out of the Park and Ride building at 922 Caroline
St.
Brian Carman, executive director of the Key West Innkeepers
Association, is applying for the conditional-use permit,
which would grant the group the right to sublease part of
the space in the building that it is renting from the city
for the car rentals. The proposed business would rent out no
more than seven electric cars, and also offer bike rentals.
Planning staff hasn�t been able to adequately review the
project and is therefore withholding a recommendation.
[...]
The Planning Board meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in Old City Hall.
Updated: 6/18 11:10:56 � 2003 Keynoter Publishing Company Inc.
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http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Business/Headlines/03BusinessBIZ01061803.htm
Electric car company, officers sued by California
By JIM HAUG Business Writer Last update: 17 June 2003
DAYTONA BEACH -- Corbin Motors once dazzled local officials
with its ambitious plans for a geodesic dome along
Interstate 95, manufacturing mini-electric cars.
Now the electric car company, based in Hollister, Calif., is
being sued by the state of California for misrepresenting
the truth about Corbin Motors to sell stock and franchises.
It has raised as much as $10 million since 1999.
The lawsuit contends that much of the money went to support
the lifestyles of Corbin Motors founder Tom Corbin, whose
legal name is Thomas W. Hanagan, and his "small inner
circle."
Corbin Motors Daytona Beach Inc., the spin-off company that
was supposed to develop the local factory, and its
president, Anthony Luzi, are included as defendants in the
suit. Luzi could not be reached for comment.
The local phone number for Corbin Motors Daytona Beach Inc.
has been disconnected. There is a for-sale sign on its 14
acres of land along Interstate 95 that was once intended for
the geodesic dome factory.
Corbin Motors Inc., the parent company, filed for Chapter 7
bankruptcy in late March. Chapter 7 is liquidation.
But the company built less than 300 of the Sparrows in
Hollister. Many of them were returned because of mechanical
problems. Repairs took months, "if done at all," the suit
claims.
Many franchise dealers received no vehicles or not enough to
conduct business, according to the lawsuit. While Corbin
Motors received thousands of dollars in deposits, the orders
went unfilled.
Corbin Saddles, 777 S. Main St., has often displayed the
cartoonish-looking Sparrow, but is unaffected by the
controversy, said Stewart J. Beyer, the general manager of
the local store.
The motorcycle accessories shop is owned by Corbin Pacific,
not Corbin Motors, Beyer said. "Separate company, separate
entity."
In a corporate filing with the state, the directors of
Corbin Pacific are listed as Hanagan's parents, Michael and
Beverly Hanagan; and David Merrihew of Salinas, Calif.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
===
http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news46/
Electric Car Maker Corbin Motors Faces Lawsuit
The Orlando Sentinel, Fla. - June 18, 2003
Motor Trend
Officials of a company that hoped to make three-wheeled
vehicles in Daytona Beach are the target of a lawsuit filed
by California's Department of Corporations that alleges
illegal business practices. The state agency has brought
complaints against both California-based Corbin Motors,
which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in March, and Corbin
Motors Daytona Beach.
Officials with both companies are accused of misrepresenting
Corbin Motors' financial health to potential investors,
selling stock and franchises without registering with the
state of California, and misdirecting company assets "to
fund the lifestyles of ... (Corbin Motors CEO) Tom Corbin,
his family and a small inner circle."
The Department of Corporations gave few details, though
spokeswoman Kam Coveyou acknowledged one complaint of
disgruntled former employees and investors: that Corbin
Motors leased a Bentley for Tom Corbin even as the company's
finances were failing.
The California-based company owns 45 percent of Corbin
Motors Daytona Beach, which wanted to build a factory in
Volusia County and churn out colorful one-person vehicles
called Sparrows and Roadsters. The electric Sparrow and the
gas-powered Roadster attracted media attention around the
world for their unique designs. Several Sparrows made cameos
in the last Austin Powers movie.
The lawsuit filed last month in California's superior court
asks for officials of both companies to pay civil
penalties.
Corbin -- whose legal name is Tom Hanagan -- and Corbin
Motors Daytona Beach president Anthony Luzi could not be
reached for comment. Corbin Motors Daytona Beach's phone
number has been disconnected.
Former vice president of marketing Bill Kniegge, now one of
the company's most vocal critics, said Corbin Motors has had
many problems.
"It was not only abuse of investor monies in terms of it
being poorly managed and poorly spent," said Kniegge, who
said he was fired from the company after bringing up
concerns about potential safety problems in the Sparrows.
"Now we believe there's a lot of money that has been hidden
away. ... Where there's smoke, there's fire. This looks like
it could be a very big fire."
Corbin Motors, which in 2001 legally changed its name to
CorbinMotors.com, has struggled for years to build and
market its Sparrows.
The vehicles have had to be returned to the factory for
repairs. Dealers have fumed as customers waited for their
vehicles. Disgruntled former supporters who call the cars
faulty and unsafe have brought lawsuits. Last year, the
company said it owed about $1 million in unpaid bills.
Corbin Motors Daytona Beach bought land along Interstate 95
last year to build a factory. Officials said work on the
factory could begin after Corbin Motors had its first
profitable quarter.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles said Monday that
it also is investigating Corbin Motors. The agency would not
provide details. (c) 2003 The Orlando Sentinel
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http://www.dailydemocrat.com/articles/2003/06/18/news/news95.txt
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
$500,000 in grants for clean air projects
Yolo, Solano transit efforts get funding
At the June board meeting, the Yolo-Solano Air Quality
Management District board of directors approved distribution
of $500,000 for projects in Yolo and Solano counties that
support the goal of the District's Clean Air Funds program.
Thirty-one proposals were submitted in four categories with
26 proposals receiving full or partial funding for the
fiscal year 2003-2004. Projects receiving grants either
reduce air pollution from motor vehicles or will be used for
related planning, monitoring, enforcement and technical
studies necessary for the implementation of the California
Clean Air Act.
In the Clean Fuels and Infrastructure category, the cities
of Davis and Vacaville received funding for infrastructure
for electric vehicles and Yolo County Health Department
received partial funding for two neighborhood electric
vehicles and charging stations. Unitrans received funds
toward the purchase of a compressed natural gas support
vehicle.
Alternative transportation projects receiving funds include
the Davis Farmers Market "Shop-by-Bike," Rio Vista's Main
Street Pedestrian Enhancement project, and Vacaville's Park
and Ride Lot located at Bella Vista and I-80. Bicycle
facility projects between Dixon and Davis, in Vacaville and
in Yolo County were granted funds.
The fourth and final phase of the Dixon-Davis Bikeway is
expected to be completed next year.
Solano Transportation Authority's Commuter Incentives
Program, UCD TAPS Trainpool Program and Yolo Transportation
Management Association's Rideshare Incentive Program will
continue to attract riders who want to reduce vehicles on
the road. The city of Winters' 1906 Railroad Trestle over
Putah Creek will be renovated for use by bicyclists and
pedestrians. UC Davis' HEV Center was granted funding for
the development of a plug-in electric vehicle for the Future
Truck 2003 competition.
Transit services receiving funding are Route 30
(Fairfield/Suisun Transit), Solano Bart Express in
Vacaville, River Cats Shuttle from Woodland, Davis and West
Sacramento, and two student transportation programs, Summer
Sizzler and the Wolfpack Shuttle, run by Yolo County
Transportation District.
In an effort to get information out to youth on clean air
practices, the American Lung Association's Clean Air
Curriculum and the Extreme High School Clean Air Challenge
received funding in addition to Explorit Science Center's
mobile activity station "The Air We Breathe."
A bike map for Solano and Yolo counties will be updated and
Yolo TMA's pilot program "Rid Yourself of Strandaphobia"
will educate drivers how to reduce single occupant vehicle
trips by changing driving patterns and attitudes. A regional
public opinion survey in Solano and Yolo counties will give
residents an opportunity to express concerns on air quality
and transportation issues with responses used to assist
planners. These projects were funded in the public education
and information category.
"It is our mission to protect human health and property from
the harmful effects of air pollution and we feel that these
projects will, either directly or indirectly, help to reduce
air pollution and also offer viable alternatives for
commuters," said Larry Greene, executive director.
The projects are funded through vehicle registration fees
and Solano County Northeast property tax proceed.
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--- {EVangel}
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2994858.stm
Last Updated: Tuesday, 17 June, 2003, 10:18 GMT 11:18 UK
Can I beat George Bush on a Segway?
By Ryan Dilley BBC News Online
President Bush took a tumble when he stepped on a Segway
two-wheeled scooter last week. Could I do better than the
leader of the free world?
The Presidents George Bush on matching Segways
"That's one of those things Bush fell off," says a
schoolgirl loudly to her friend as I gingerly guide my
Segway down a pavement ramp.
This is the first time I have ventured on to the streets on
the contraption - which is something akin to an
old-fashioned lawn mower - and do not appreciate being
reminded about President Bush's recent mishap.
That a Yale graduate - not to mention a trained jet fighter
pilot - should be catapulted so spectacularly over the
handlebars of his Segway hardly fills me with confidence. I
failed my first driving test and was never too steady on my
Raleigh Grifter bike before that.
President George Bush falls from his Segway
Nor had my nerves been steadied by reading the Segway's
American instruction book. Its first page offered a
hysterical warning, perhaps more fitting for a shotgun
owner's manual: "WARNING! RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY."
Admittedly, I had survived my instruction course without
suffering either calamity. And Chris Grindley, chairman of
Planet Moto - the company which started importing the
US-made Segways into the UK in February, seemed fairly
relaxed about letting me off the leash with one of the
�4,600 devices (if I could prove I was insured, of course).
Lean on me
The principle is simple. Once standing on the footplate
above the wheel axle, the Segway balances itself using a set
of internal gyroscopes. Lean gently forwards and the machine
trundles forward, straighten up and it stops, shift your
weight back a bit and it shifts into reverse.
Turns are executed by twisting the left grip of the
handlebars. This sends the wheels in opposite directions,
meaning the Segway can turn on a dime (or indeed a 10p
piece).
But whizzing around an empty, flat car park within the BBC's
walls is one thing. Navigating the pedestrians, prams,
rubbish bins and discarded kebabs of London's mean streets
is quite another.
The first thing to remember is that Segways don't do kerbs.
Try to hop up or down any step more than a few inches high
and you'd better be as nimble in your recovery as President
Bush or "you'll have a nurse feeding you baby food for the
rest of your life" - as one pessimistic bystander put it to
me.
Fortunately, when you actually look for pavement ramps -
though parents with prams and wheelchair users might
disagree - they are hearteningly common.
Pavement artist
However, the Segway's rather unforgiving suspension system
soon makes it clear that - ramps aside - British pavements
are in a ruinous state of repair.
Wonky paving stones, bulging subterranean tree roots and a
variety of potholes make any progress at speed rather
bouncy. It is easy to see how the unwary might come a
cropper.
But the Segway's manoeuvrability does allow the more
cautious rider to weave easily around obstacles and give
other pavement users the space they deserve.
Venturing on to a busy High Street, I patiently follow in
the wake of an elderly lady who periodically stops without
warning to gaze into shop windows.
I am able to stop and start as her pace dictates, the whirr
of the Segway's electric motors not even alerting her to my
presence. When it is finally safe to overtake, she is far
from disturbed by the site of the device. "I could do with
one of them for my shopping," she says.
Last resort
Going so slowly isn't really what inventor Dean Kamen had in
mind for his Segway - which he codenamed IT and kept under
wraps promising it would revolutionise the world. The device
is supposed to be an alternative to walking, a way of
allowing users to cover more ground quickly without
resorting to cars.
Soon I am on a wide, empty stretch of reasonably flat paving
- so I lean forward more aggressively to get a taste of the
Segway's top speed of 12mph.
With the wind in my hair, I'm feeling surprisingly confident
and wonder where President Bush went so wrong - but my high
speed jinks were abruptly brought to an end.
No, I didn't go Airforce One over IT. I was stopped by the
first of what proved to be a long line of curious
passers-by.
The novelty value of the Segway is arguably a stronger
social lubricant that alcohol - people who would never
normally dream of making eye contact with me in the street
now approach to ask me questions.
A young woman in a swish sports car pulls over to talk. A
man whose only possession in the world appears to be his can
of super strength lager also inquires about the Segway's
inner workings.
Teenagers, an old man, a courting couple, a car designer,
and even two traffic wardens stop me in my tracks.
Predictive travel
"You look really futuristic. Like Tom Cruise going to work
in Minority Report," says Gregory Barbier.
The flattery works and I agree to his request for a quick go
on my Segway. Quickly over his initial wobbles - trusting
the machine to balance takes a few seconds - the Frenchman
is delighted.
"It's amazing! I love it!"
As the French know about style, I seek Mr Barbier's view on
something that has been troubling me since I first set foot
on a Segway. "Do I look a big ass on this?"
"It's fun," says Mr Barbier. "I'm a big kid. As soon as I'm
enjoying myself, I never think of how I look or feel
stupid."
I'm having as much fun as Mr Barbier - though I doubt I'd
shell out �4,600 for the pleasure - but I still feel a bit
of an idiot. At least I haven't fallen over.
Few people I meet are outright hostile to the concept of the
Segway. Many liken it to the ill-fated Sinclair C5, a
three-wheeled electric car also supposed to revolutionise
personal transportation.
I too have my doubts about the future of the Segway as I
return to the BBC - passing the Blue Peter studio and almost
crashing into a Ford Model T brought in to celebrate the car
company's 100th anniversary.
As the song says "They all laughed at Ford and his Lizzy,
but who's got the last laugh now."
===
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/maney/2003-06-17-segway_x.htm
Posted 6/18/2003 1:48 AM Updated 6/18/2003 1:58 AM
President's Segway tumble seems a tiny bit suspicious
President Bush meant to fall off his Segway. Oh, I'm sure of
it. What we've got here is a clever conspiracy � a
pre-emptive strike to save the oil industry from a
technology that could sap its power.
President Bush falls over the handle bars of a Segway in a
shot seen 'round the world. By Steven Senne, AP
Over the weekend, while on vacation, Bush looked like Chevy
Chase doing a Gerald Ford imitation as he stepped onto the
platform of a Segway personal transportation scooter and
went flying right off.
The first U.S. president to try a Segway supposedly forgot
to turn it on, so the gyroscopic stabilizers couldn't
automatically balance him.
But maybe Bush wanted to fall. Maybe he understands in a way
few do that society is on the verge of a debate that could
mold the future of transportation, much like the debate 100
years ago when cars first suggested that horses weren't the
only way to travel.
And if the future veers toward little two-wheeled
electric-powered personal transporters, where does that
leave ExxonMobil and Halliburton and the rest of the oil
industry President Bush adores? Probably in the same sad
league as the old Pennsylvania coal-mining companies, with
Houston as the next Wilkes-Barre.
Bush knows the possible effect of an image of the nation's
commander in chief nearly doing a face plant because of an
odd new contraption. In 1899, William McKinley became the
first U.S. president to try an automobile. Freelan Stanley
took big ol' McKinley for a spin in a Stanley Steamer.
Imagine if McKinley fell out. The pro-horse contingent
would've been in PR paradise.
The conspiracy theory is bolstered by this: It's nearly
impossible to fall off a Segway. Seventy-nine-year-old
George H.W. Bush didn't fall off the one he got from his
sons for Father's Day. Barbara Bush also got one, and she
didn't fall off hers.
John Goldsmith, a former TV commentator who lives in Naples,
Fla., lets just about anyone try his Segway � and dozens
have. "The learning curve to become Segway savvy is
somewhere between 6 and 60 seconds," he reports. "I've never
had anyone get so much as a scratch."
Heck, I rode a Segway down the halls of venture capital firm
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, which helped back the
scooter's development. Staying on a Segway really is a
no-brainer. I had fun, too. There is plenty of room to zoom
around Kleiner's offices now that the piles of money from
the 1990s are gone.
Vice President Cheney � Mr. Oil Guy himself � has had a
Segway for some time now. I heard Dean Kamen, the Segway's
inventor, talk about how Cheney called his company's office
and asked to buy one. Kamen personally delivered a Segway to
the White House. Cheney, in his suit and tie, jumped on and
started riding it around the White House driveway, with a
panicked Kamen running alongside him.
Bush saw them through the Oval Office window and came
outside to watch, recalls Kamen, who has photos to prove it.
This doubtlessly is when Bush first saw the potential of
falling off one.
Cheney might have planned all along to fall off his in front
of the cameras. In fact, being the vice president, and thus
more expendable, he could've tried something more dramatic,
like running into a wall at the Segway's top speed of 12.5
miles per hour. That would've made the Segway look super
dangerous, considering all the teeth Cheney would've lost.
But Cheney probably felt conflicted. There's a high-tech
stent in his heart that keeps him alive. It was invented by
� oddly enough � Kamen. So maybe Cheney couldn't bring
himself to fall off and hurt the image of Kamen's Segway. So
Bush had to do it.
And, sure enough, the photo and story have appeared in just
about every news outlet in the world.
Why would the Bush team want to derail the Segway? Well, the
scooter is one of the most inspired pieces of technology
this country has produced in years. It looks like it should
be as unstable as a unicycle. But step on, and the smarts
inside it keep you balanced. Lean forward and you go
forward. Lean back and you go back. Twist a handle to turn.
It is as intuitive to use as a coffee cup.
The Segway is powered by a rechargeable electric motor. A
Seattle owner who commutes on his Segway and keeps a Web
journal (www.bookofseg.com) says it costs him $1 a month to
charge.
Kamen likes to compare the Segway to the earliest autos,
like the Stanley Steamer. When McKinley took his ride, autos
were a curiosity only the rich could afford. They seemed to
have no discernable place in a world of horses and trains.
As Richard Tedlow of Harvard Business School points out,
"Nothing would've been less predictable in 1900 than the
fact that by 1925 there would be no horses in cities."
It's outlandish to think that 25 years from now, Segway-like
transporters would replace cars in cities. But Kamen asks:
Why not? Instead of taxis crawling at 8 mph in city traffic,
why not Segways moving at 8 mph? They'd use a fraction of
the energy and spew a fraction of the pollution.
Maybe Kamen is the Freelan Stanley of this story. Maybe the
Segway needs a Henry Ford, who will make a people's version
that costs $500 instead of the current price of $5,000.
Unlikely as Segway domination may seem, history shows it's
possible. And if it happened, the oil industry could kiss
its profits and power goodbye.
Put it all together, and Bush had good reason to fake a fall
off a Segway and stir up anti-Segway sentiment. Which makes
me wonder: Do you think he had something against pretzels?
Kevin Maney has covered technology for USA TODAY since 1985.
His column appears Wednesdays. Click here for an index of
Technology columns. E-mail him at: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
===
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?storyID=2927253
===
http://www.channel4.com/apps26/news/news_story.jsp?storyId=864237
===
http://www.dailyreviewonline.com/Stories/0,1413,88~11031~1443697,00.html
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