EV Digest 3876
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) EVLN(Golf ECO.Power Diesel-Hybrids)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
2) EVLN(15 minutes of fame every time I drive my EV)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
3) EVLN(A longer lasting lead-acid battery)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
4) EVLN(FedEx's Eaton Hybrid Expands delivery vehicles in NYC)-Long
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
5) EVLN(Mt. Vernon co marketing EVs powered from wind and sun)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
6) EVLN(Phaseout for EV credit & deduction for clean-fuel vehicles)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
7) EVLN($125 electric personal mobility device violations)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
8) EVLN(ThinGap has wheel hub-mounted motor drive rains)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
9) EVLN(Holier Than Thou SUV)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
10) EVLN(Motorized scooters @stanford.edu)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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EVLN(Golf ECO.Power Diesel-Hybrids)
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http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/news,view.spy?artid=30458&pg=1
October 15, 2004 VW Changes Its Mind and Announces Hybrid
Vehicles are In Its Future by Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press
The Golf ECO.Power Shows Just How Efficient Diesel-Hybrid
Drivetrains Can Be
With oil over $53 USD per barrel this week, and no end in sight
for the much higher prices compared to the same time last year,
Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to
tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical
common-rail diesel power against complicated and as yet unproven
HEV systems. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) more automakers are
preparing for what may be a very fuel conscious consumer if the
upward trend continues.
Before the world can take advantage of a hydrogen economy, a
utopian solution that still requires many infrastructural
problems to be resolved, European automakers have been pushing
the merits of modern day diesel power, for the most part, while
the U.S. and Japanese have taken the HEV, or hybrid-electric
vehicle route, the latter with exception of heavy-duty domestic
pickup trucks and Jeep's new Liberty Diesel.
As it has been, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have
still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet
economical common-rail diesel power against After originally
dismissing hybrid technology, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing
its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric
hybrid prototype. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) complicated and as
yet unproven (over the long haul) HEV systems, being that fuel
economy figures do not necessarily benefit the Japanese and soon,
with the introduction of the new Ford Escape Hybrid, domestic
hybrids.
But all has changed since HEV leader Toyota announced diesel-HEVs
would be part of its future (see automotive news section for
August 16, 2004: Toyota Considering Making Diesel-Electric Hybrid
Vehicles). The added benefits of diesel efficiency and
performance would be considerably enhanced with an integrated
hybrid-electric system, and could be done easily as all that is
needed, simplistically, is for the gasoline-powered ICE (internal
combustion engine) to be swapped out for a diesel one. After
stating it wouldn't be looking at hybrids as an interim answer to
reducing fuel consumption and cleaning up The Golf ECO.Power was
demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program
started by Michelin), earlier this week. (Photo: Volkswagen
Canada) emissions, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on
the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype
that many analysts are saying hints at what may be on the horizon
for Europe's number one automaker. The Golf ECO.Power was
demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program
started by Michelin), earlier this week, and features an
85-kilowatt (114-hp), 1.4-liter 3-cylinder diesel joined to a 15
kilowatt (20-hp) electric motor.
The diesel-HEV could potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent
better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline-electric
powertrain, stated Matthias Rabe, director of research for the VW
Group. And what about performance? Zero to 100 km/h (0-62.5 mph)
needs a mere 11.0 seconds while a top speed of Not only can the
diesel-HEV potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel
economy than traditional HEV's, it'll be faster from 0 to 100
km/h. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) approximately 196 km/h (122 mph)
is attainable. The Golf ECO.Power is equipped with a stop-start
function, similar to all current production hybrids, and achieves
a thrifty 3.8 liter per 100 km fuel economy average.
VW was coy about production plans, with Rabe only stating that
the technology could have great potential in some markets,
highlighting North America due to fuel economy concerns, and
China to reduce pollution.
As previously mentioned the Europeans have downplayed the
viability of HEV technology in the market, with Volkswagen AG
Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder questioning its real value even
last year.
"It's a reversal from one year ago," admitted Rabe, adding that
"we will definitely introduce hybrid vehicles in the "We will
definitely introduce hybrid vehicles in the future," stated
Matthias Rabe, director of research for the VW Group. (Photo:
Volkswagen Canada) future. We have to consider whether to do it
with gasoline or with diesel engines."
Will VW be the first European to sell HEVs when it does? That
remains to be seen, but it certainly wasn't the first to show a
concept of such. Mercedes-Benz has shown a variety of prototype
HEVs over the years, starting in 1999 with its rear-wheel drive
S-Class hybrid, followed up by the M-Class HYPER, which used a
2.7-liter common-rail diesel along with an electric motor. Ahead
of its time for sure, but the fact Mercedes-Benz chose not to
develop an HEV powertrain for production speaks volumes of its
previous, if not current biases.
Volkswagen entered a total of four cars in the Shanghai event,
including the Bora (Jetta) TDI, which is produced in China, and
the extremely economical Lupo 3L TDI, both current production
cars. Joining the Golf ECO.Power in the non-production concept
category was the Touran HyMotion, a hydrogen fuel cell powered
minivan. A total of 112 vehicles competed in nine categories,
allowing the jury to not only assess a particular While
Volkswagen may end up being the first European company to sell a
HEV, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a S-Class hybrid concept back in
1999. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) vehicle's environmental
benefits including low fuel consumption, but also a car's driving
characteristics, comfort, safety and noise pollution.
Volkswagen seems smart to be jumping on the HEV bandwagon despite
having previously said it wouldn't, and despite entering very
late in the game. According to a Booz Allen Hamilton study just
released, hybrid powertrains could make up 20 percent of all cars
sold by 2010. How does it arrive at its figures? The study states
that high gasoline prices are starting to make the $3,000 to
$5,000 price penalty of going hybrid justifiable. The study added
that, if consumers accept the new technology as quickly as they
did airbags and ABS brakes, the numbers could reach 80 percent by
as soon as 2015.
The technologies' level of acceptance will be fostered by its
number one producer, Toyota, which has vowed to offer an HEV From
what started as just one car from Toyota has grown into a major
market, with every automaker now wanting a piece of the HEV
action. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) derivative of most of its
models in coming years. Already, the brand that started out with
a single, stand-alone sedan dubbed the Prius, has already
announced a new Lexus RX 330-based RX400h, Toyota Highlander
hybrid and Camry hybrid, with most expecting a Sienna minivan
hybrid soon. Honda is also a major HEV player, initiating its
early adaptor position with the odd but thrifty Insight, followed
up by the Civic Hybrid and now the Accord Hybrid. Ford announced
its Escape Hybrid years ago, and is expected to follow with a
Fusion (Taurus replacement) hybrid in coming years, with more to
follow. GM is already to market with its Silverado and Sierra
pickup truck hybrids, and only recently announced a new Malibu
hybrid. Nissan will bring an Altima hybrid to market too, powered
with Toyota components.
It doesn't take a degree in alternative fuel systems development
to see why Volkswagen has changed its mind, showed the Golf
ECO.Power and made the announcement that it plans to follow suit.
The only question that remains is which European automaker will
make a similar announcement next.
=====
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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EVLN(15 minutes of fame every time I drive my EV)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
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--- {EVangel}
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/singapore/story/0,4386,278082,00.html
It's no Ferrari, but the Sparrow still turns heads
By Christopher Tan
A BRIGHT-ORANGE three-wheel electric car has been turning heads
here. The toy-like Corbin Sparrow - the only three-wheel car
registered in Singapore - does not resemble anything else on the
road here.
With a top speed of 110kmh and a range of 30-50 km, Mr Diebley's
vehicle runs on lead-acid batteries which cost less than $1 a day
to charge. It is registered as a car here, as it exceeds the
400kg limit for a motorcycle. -- STEPHANIE YEOW 'Is this a bike
or a car?' asked an onlooker at a photo-shoot arranged by The
Straits Times on Wednesday.
The Sparrow is considered a motorcycle in some countries, but is
registered as a car here.
Traffic literally slowed to a crawl as the Sparrow made its way
down Balmoral Road, taking up no more space than a
Harley-Davidson.
'How much is it?' asked a group of women passing by in a car.
Owner James Diebley, a teacher at the Singapore American School,
imported the car - the only single-seater here - from
California-based Corbin Motors back in 2001. He tried to convince
the authorities to let him register it preferably as a
motorcycle. After a long and arduous process, he got approval to
register the zero-emission vehicle as a car in September last
year and has been driving it for about a year now.
As for why it is not registered as a motorcycle, the Land
Transport Authority explained that the Sparrow exceeded the 400kg
maximum weight for a motorcycle.
It weighs about 700kg and 'has several car-like features such as
a steering wheel, an enclosed body and doors', said a spokesman.
The Sparrow is powered by 13 lead-acid batteries which drive an
electric motor connected to the rear wheel via a belt. It has a
top speed of about 110kmh and a range of 30-50km. Mr Diebley has
clocked some 4,000km and daily power-charging costs have been
less than $1.
Getting it here, however cost him close to $80,000 after taxes -
equivalent to a compact Japanese model.
'I didn't do it because I wanted a cheap car,' Mr Diebley said.
'I did it because it's interesting.'
And interesting it has been. He has been getting more attention
than a celebrity. 'I've had people chase me down the highway.'
'One guy ran down between cars at a stop light to slip his phone
number written on the back of a parking coupon into my car, then
quickly ran 10 cars back to get into his car before traffic
started rolling again.'
He has even had two vehicles tailing him back to his home; and
had notes left on his car from strangers who were either
interested in buying it or in becoming an investor. His car has
appeared on a local Internet forum as well. 'It's like getting my
15 minutes of fame every time I drive it,' he said.
=====
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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http://week.com/morenews/morenews-read.asp?n=5962 Putting A
Charge In Development Posted October 14, 2004 4:03pm
The first start-up business under the Peoria NEXT economic
development project is putting a charge in the world's battery
market.
Leaders from Firefly Energy Incorporated Thursday revealed their
research plans for creating a longer lasting lead-acid battery.
Firefly Energy was launched more than a year ago by Caterpillar
and Peoria NEXT, a program that funds high-tech business
projects.
But now the company has raised $4 million from investors to
accelerate their research and move closer to high-tech
batteries.
FireFly Energy CEO Edward Williams says the problem with current
lead acid batteries is they don't last long and they easily
corrode.
The new batteries will replace lead metal with composite,
enhancing their power and length of use. Williams projects they
will cost 15 to 20 percent more than original batteries. But he
says they'll be popular with hybrid cars.
''We would hope that in vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and
all the technology it may very well lower the cost for hybrid
electric vehicle and make them more available for consumers,''
said Williams.
Currently the company has 11 employees but by next year, Williams
says there'll be more than 20.
Area leaders say the company will create opportunities and a
knowledge based economy and industry.
18th District Congressman Ray LaHood said, ''Two years from now,
5 years from now and 10 years from now when the chapters are
written on our community, it'll be written about innovation and
creation and taking smart people and their ideas and using them
to create new jobs and think outside of the box of our industrial
base.''
Firefly Energy hopes to market the new batteries within the next
3 years.
Its research and innovation design will take place at Illinois
Central College North campus. But it has partnered with existing
manufacturers in the area for future production.
=====
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EVLN(FedEx's Eaton Hybrid Expands delivery vehicles in NYC)-Long
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http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20041020005264&newsLang=en
October 20, 2004 10:00 AM US Eastern Timezone
FedEx Expands Low Emission Vehicle Program to New York
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2004-- Collaboration with
Environmental Defense, Eaton Corporation and New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority Unveils 10 Hybrid
Electric Vehicles
In addition to packages, FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx
Corp., is also delivering cleaner air. The company
today announced it had placed into service ten low-emission,
hybrid electric delivery vehicles in New York City just in time
for its holiday peak season. The New York launch is a joint
initiative with Environmental Defense, Eaton Corporation (NYSE:
ETN) and the New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority.
The FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicles began
delivering packages on routes in the New York metropolitan area
following an agreement with NYSERDA to demonstrate the viability
of lower-emission hybrid powertrains in heavy-duty vehicles. The
roll out took place today at a FedEx facility on 48th Street and
12th Avenue in Manhattan.
"New York City is a dynamic economy with many trucks on its
streets essential to keep commerce moving, so it is important
that we continue to develop innovative solutions to reduce
vehicle emissions," said John Formisano, Vice President of Global
Vehicles, FedEx Express. "Today's roll-out not only represents
one-half of FedEx's total commitment for these vehicles this
year, but is also a positive step in our commitment to effective
environmental management as a global corporate priority and in
the local communities we serve."
NYSERDA awarded federal NYCDOT Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality funds to FedEx Express to support the placement of the
FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicle in New York.
"Governor Pataki has made a commitment to New Yorkers to improve
air quality throughout our State, especially here in the New York
City area," said Peter R. Smith, President of NYSERDA. "The
promotion and use of low-emission, energy-efficient hybrid
vehicles is a critical step in achieving cleaner air and a
healthier environment."
Smith commended FedEx Express and its project partners for their
efforts on behalf of New York City and said the hybrid project
"exemplifies the achievements business, non-profits and
government can make when they partner to improve our
environment."
The New York City Department of Transportation, which works
closely with NYSERDA, also played a pivotal role in making hybrid
vehicles possible in New York.
"The clean movement of goods in and around New York City is a
long standing commitment of the Bloomberg Administration," said
NYCDOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall. "I applaud FedEx for taking
advantage of our incentive program and putting hybrid technology
on the streets of New York. They are taking action all New
Yorkers can be thankful for."
The project began four years ago when Environmental Defense, an
organization recognized for its work with industry leaders to
create environmental and business innovations, approached FedEx
Express about working together to create the next generation
delivery vehicle.
"A revolution in the trucking industry is underway," said Fred
Krupp, President, Environmental Defense. "With these trucks FedEx
is leading the pack. Environmental Defense now challenges all
fleet owners to adopt clean trucks to reduce air pollution, oil
dependency and climate change impacts."
Cleveland, Ohio-based Eaton Corporation, one of the world's most
recognized industrial manufacturers, produced the hybrid electric
powertrain for the vehicle.
"Eaton continues to be pleased with the performance - and the
potential - of our advanced technology hybrid powertrain system,"
said Jim Sweetnam, senior vice president and group executive of
Eaton's Truck Group. "The system is working well in the FedEx
Express trucks in Sacramento, and we look forward to continued
success with the New York City roll-out."
The New York City announcement follows the March roll-out of two
FedEx hybrid trucks. These trucks continue to operate and achieve
a 99 percent up-time in the field.
The FedEx hybrid electric vehicle decreases particulate emissions
by 96 percent and travels 57 percent farther on a gallon of fuel,
reducing fuel costs by over a third. FedEx is currently taking
steps to introduce more of these vehicles into its fleet over
time.
FedEx is committed to utilizing the enormous potential
represented by hybrids. For example, if 10,000 hybrid electric
vehicles were on the road rather than current standard vehicles,
substantial reductions in emissions and fuel use would occur
annually:
-- Smog-causing emissions (nitrogen oxides) would be reduced by
1,700 tons, the equivalent of taking passenger cars off New
York City roads for 25 days.
-- Carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 83,000 tons,
which is equivalent to planting 2 million trees.
-- Diesel fuel usage would be reduced by 7.2 million gallons,
which requires 1 million barrels of crude oil to produce.
The project partners, Environmental Defense, FedEx and Eaton,
have worked closely with a number of suppliers to find
innovative, cost-effective solutions to bring the production of
this vehicle closer to commercialization. Freightliner Custom
Chassis was instrumental in supplying the chassis and assembling
the 16 vehicles that will be placed into operation in the next
few months. Utilimaster, Hitachi and Detroit Diesel each provided
key components and worked with project partners to customize
their components for the hybrid trucks.
Power of Innovation Produces New Vehicle
FedEx Express and Environmental Defense began working together in
2000 to create a delivery truck that would dramatically decrease
emissions and fuel use. Through a competitive process, Eaton
Corporation was selected from more than 20 manufacturers who
expressed interest in creating a cleaner vehicle using a variety
of technologies. Since the beginning of the project, progress
toward goals has been assessed against the 1999 FedEx Express
W700 standard delivery vehicle, which represented the most common
model in the FedEx Express fleet.
Eaton's Innovative Technology Produces Hybrid Electric
Powertrain
Eaton's hybrid-electric powertrain effectively combines a diesel
engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer
determines the most efficient combination, depending on current
operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine
replaces the six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx
Express W700 delivery vehicle. The engine size is reduced because
of the added power provided by the electric motor. A particulate
trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions.
Batteries capture and store energy during the "regenerative
braking" phase of the vehicle's operation, providing a source of
stored electric power for the motor during future acceleration.
Therefore, all electrical charging of the battery is provided by
the hybrid electric powertrain, and no external electrical
infrastructure, such as a power cord or electrical outlet, is
needed. This balance between conventional and electric technology
is an innovative method to improve environmental performance and
decrease fuel use while eliminating the need for high
electrical-demand infrastructure costs. The hybrid electric
truck's operating characteristics will remain virtually unchanged
from that of a conventionally powered FedEx Express vehicle.
Eaton's hybrid electric powertrain has been placed in the
standard white FedEx Express W700 delivery truck, which utilizes
a Freightliner chassis and a Utilimaster body. The hybrid
electric delivery vehicle will be differentiated from the
standard FedEx Express delivery vehicle only by an OptiFleet
brand decal on the sides and rear of the vehicle. The hybrid
electric E700 has a gross vehicle weight of approximately 16,000
lbs. and a cargo capacity of approximately 670 cubic feet.
This initiative is the second major FedEx environmental
innovation announcement this week. In Oakland, California on
Monday, FedEx Express announced that it was building California's
largest corporate solar electric system atop its hub at Oakland
International Airport. The 904 kilowatt solar array will provide
approximately 80 percent of the peak load demand for the
company's Oakland facility.
About FedEx
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses
worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce
and business services. With annual revenues of $26 billion, the
company offers integrated business applications through operating
companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively,
under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the
world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its
more than 240,000 employees and contractors to remain
"absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical
and professional standards and the needs of their customers and
communities. For more information, visit fedex.com.
About the New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the
New York State Legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York
Energy $mart(SM) program, which is designed to support certain
public benefit programs during the transition to a more
competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in 40
programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted
and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New
York Energy $mart(SM) program provides energy efficiency
services, including those directed at the low-income sector,
research and development, and environmental protection
activities.
NYSERDA derives its basic research revenues from an assessment on
the intrastate sales of New York State's investor-owned electric
and gas utilities, and voluntary annual contributions by the New
York Power Authority and the Long Island Power Authority.
Additional research dollars come from limited corporate funds.
Some 400 NYSERDA research projects help the State's businesses
and municipalities with their energy and environmental problems.
Since 1990, NYSERDA has successfully developed and brought into
use more than 150 innovative, energy-efficient, and
environmentally beneficial products, processes, and services.
These contributions to the State's economic growth and
environmental protection are made at a cost of about $.70 per New
York resident per year.
Federally funded, the Energy Efficiency Services program is
working with more than 540 businesses, schools, and
municipalities to identify existing technologies and equipment to
reduce their energy costs.
For more information, contact the Communications unit, NYSERDA,
17 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-6399; (518) 862-1090,
ext. 3412.
About Environmental Defense
Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization,
represents more than 400,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental
Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative
private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to
the most serious environmental problems. The work of
Environmental Defense in this project was supported by a lead
grant over three years from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.
Additional support was received from the Hewlett Foundation, Oak
Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the David H. Smith
Foundation. For more information, visit
www.environmentaldefense.org.
About Eaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation is a global diversified industrial manufacturer
with 2003 sales of $8.1 billion that is a leader in fluid power
systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control;
automotive engine air management and powertrain controls for fuel
economy; and intelligent drivetrain systems for fuel economy and
safety in trucks. Eaton has 51,000 employees and sells products
to customers in more than 100 countries. For more information,
visit www.eaton.com. Contacts FedEx Public Relations Anthony
Hicks, 901-434-8100 or Eaton Corporation - Truck Components Don
Alles, 269-342-3311 or Environmental Defense Media Relations
Jessica Mendelowitz, 212-616-1219 or NYSERDA Tom Collins,
518-862-1090, ext. 3250
� Business Wire 2004
===
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===
Enova Introduces New Series Hybrid Drive Systems for Heavy-Duty
Urban Transportation Applications
TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--09/22/2004--Enova Systems,
Torrance, California, a developer and manufacturer of electric,
hybrid-electric, and fuel cell powered drive systems, announced
today the immediate availability of its newest series hybrid
drive systems for heavy-duty, urban transit and delivery
vehicles. These leading edge, fuel efficient and environmentally
friendly hybrid systems are applicable for Class 5 through Class
7 trucks as well as mid-sized to large urban transit buses....
All New 2005 Accord Hybrid Uses Advanced Honda Hybrid Technology
to Deliver V-6 Performance with Four-Cylinder Fuel Efficiency
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda will
debut the all-new Accord Hybrid, the world's first V-6-powered
hybrid vehicle and Honda's third hybrid model, at dealerships
nationwide on December 3, 2004. The all-new Accord Hybrid
utilizes the third-generation of Honda's advanced Integrated
Motor Assist (IMA) full hybrid system in combination with new
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation
technology to deliver the world's best V-6 fuel efficiency -- on
par with a 4-cylinder, compact class Civic -- along with highly
responsive and powerful V-6 performance. With the introduction of
the Accord Hybrid, Honda now becomes the first company in the
world to offer three distinct hybrid models including the world's
first V-6 hybrid....
=====
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' ____
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http://www.westchester.com/Westchester_News/Westchester_Business_News/200410204387.html
Mt. Vernon Company Launches Line Of Electric Vehicles
Wednesday, 20 October 2004
Mt. Vernon, NY - A virtual department store of electric vehicles
has launched from a new Mt. Vernon company dedicated to marketing
EVs and ultimately supplying them with power from the wind and
sun.
Electronic Transportation Solutions, LLC recently began selling
17 different models of high-quality electric scooters, bikes and
golf cars on its new site, www.electrictransport.net. The
vehicles range from a $90 electric skateboard called the Chariot
to the luxurious Crucero� Z-6 cart that can transport six people
around the golf course or gated community in high style. ETS
also sells a full line of electric-powered bicycles and city
scooters that borrow styling cues from today�s popular European
models but produce no tailpipe emissions.
Electric vehicles are the cleanest form of transportation on the
planet. Given today�s oil prices these products are more
appealing than ever,� ETS President and Managing Member Seth
Leitman said.
ETS is committed to providing electric � and only electric �
vehicles,� he continued. �We built our company on the belief
that others share our concern for a cleaner environment.�
As an example, Leitman pointed to the popularity of motorized
vehicles. �Even young children today are attuned to
environmental issues while being fascinated by the technology and
fun of powered bikes and scooters. ETS products offer them the
best of both worlds: battery power and uncompromised fun.�
Most of the new company�s products are sold exclusively through
ETS on the web. The exception is the highly regarded EVT America
line of city scooters.
We shopped the world for the very best electric vehicles to sell
at competitive prices,� Leitman said. �Our e-commerce marketing
strategy allows us to keep prices low and selection high � and it
fits well with the psychographics of the EV customer, who
embraces technology.�
Electronic Transportation Solutions will market its line of EVs
throughout the United States and the Caribbean.
The company also offers consulting services on renewable power
toward its goal of eventually making all power renewable. With
60 years� of combined experience in the field, its experts
provide technological solutions for powering vehicles from wind
and solar sources, as well as methods to return vehicle power to
the electric grid.
Leitman was a leader of New York State�s aggressive
alternative-fuel vehicle program. He created the nation�s
largest electric vehicle station car program for New York using
the TH!NK City. While with the State, he worked to place over
3,500 electric and low-emission vehicles. Ruben Estrada has also
joined ETS to develop an aggressive government outreach and
public relations program. Ruben brings two decades of experience
in corporations, media and government. Westchester.com Web
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http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_57443.asp
Pierce: What To Know About New Tax Reduction Extension
by Martin Pierce posted October 20, 2004
As you probably have heard, the President, on Oct. 4, signed the
Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004. The act extends the life
of several tax breaks for individuals and businesses created by
earlier legislation that were otherwise scheduled to expire at
the end of the year or earlier.
[...]
Phaseout for the Electric Vehicle credit and the deduction for
clean-fuel vehicles. The credit and deduction, previously
scheduled to phase out starting in 2004, will not begin to phase
out until 2006. (This also applies to businesses.)
[...]
I am glad to help individuals and businesses minimize their taxes
and maximize their financial well-being. I welcome any questions
you have about these or other aspects of tax law. Please let me
know how I can be of assistance.
(Copyright � 2004, all rights reserved. Provided by Martin L.
Pierce, Attorney, Husch & Eppenberger, LLC,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] Martin is a Business and Tax attorney
who is Certified as an Estate Planning Specialist in Tennessee
and through the American Bar Association-approved national
professional and testing organization. He is also licensed in
Georgia. DISCLAIMER: This article provides general coverage of
its subject area. It is provided free, with the understanding
that the author, publisher and publication do not intend this
article to be viewed as rendering legal advice or service. If
legal advice is sought or required, the services of a competent
professional should be sought. The author and the publisher shall
not be responsible for any damages resulting from any error,
inaccuracy or omission contained in this publication.)
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http://www.tdn.com/articles/2004/10/20/area_news/news04.txt
Kelso drafting rules for motor scooters By Amy M. E. Fischer
Oct 20, 2004 - 07:18:34 am PDT
Motorized foot scooters --- the two-wheeled kind with handlebars
--- may soon lose their zippy appeal for Kelso riders, and
Longview isn't far behind.
No more scooting on sidewalks. No more darting into traffic. No
more riding at night without bright lights. And for Pete's sake,
put on a helmet.
Fearful that it's just a matter of time before the city's first
scooter-versus-car fatality, the Kelso City Council is crafting
an ordinance to regulate users of the trendy, buzzing devices.
Tuesday night, the council reviewed a draft of the law, which
will go into effect in mid-November if the council approves the
final version Nov. 2.
"This is going to upset some people, but I'm hoping that,
indirectly, we'll save a few lives," councilman Al Slater said.
Nearly every city in Washington is adopting some version of the
ordinance. Kelso officials examined how 20 ordinances were worded
and then picked out the issues that made sense for the city,
Police Chief Wayne Nelson said.
Nelson said police chiefs from surrounding cities, particularly
Longview, have said they'll be watching closely to see how
Kelso's ordinance works and then adopt a similar one.
The council is leaning toward approving an ordinance that would
make it illegal for anyone to operate a motorized foot scooter:
- on any city street (within Kelso city limits) unless the rider
is age 16 or older
- carrying passengers other than the driver
- on any city street with a speed limit above 25 miles per hour
unless there's a bicycle lane
- on sidewalks, trails or in parks
- recklessly or negligently
Also, scooter drivers would have to wear helmets, have lights and
reflectors and obey all rules of the road.
Violators over age 16 face traffic tickets with maximum fines of
$125. A police officer who catches underage violators may impound
the scooter, and only a parent or legal guardian can reclaim it.
If an officer catches an underage scooter driver more than once,
it will cost $50 to get the scooter back.
The rules would apply to "wheeled recreational devices," which
does not include motorcycles, mopeds, power wheelchairs or
"electric personal mobility devices."
In 2002, nationwide there were 5,900 injury accidents involving
motorized foot scooters, with a 14 percent fatality rate, said
Slater, citing U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
statistics.
"This is beginning to be a horrendous problem," said Slater, who
recently saw an adult man and a tiny girl who could barely reach
the handlebars riding a scooter together.
"My heart just stopped because if he would've hit a chuck hole or
something, that little girl would've gone flying," Slater said.
"Neither one of them had a helmet on."
Councilman Mark Chester cautioned that the city needs to be
careful about how the new rules are structured because scooters
are becoming increasingly popular. Many people who don't have a
driver's license or can't afford a car must rely on the scooters
for transportation to jobs and school, he said.
Chester also pointed out that Kelso doesn't have bicycle lanes in
its streets, which would make several main roads off limits for
scooters.
Nelson said he hoped that provision would incite people to use
less-traveled side streets instead of roads where they'd be
riding next to fast-moving cars.
"I don't really want to mix those people," Nelson said.
� 2004 The Daily News Lee Publications, Inc. 770-11th Avenue
P.O. Box 189 � Longview, WA 98632 � 360-577-2500 �
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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http://www.socaltech.com/story/0001093.html
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
ThinGap Lands $750K DARPA SBIR
Ventura-based ThinGap has landed a $750,000 DARPA contract for
developing components for unmanned electric-drive vehicles. The
Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Contract (SBIR II)
focuses on developing an electric drive stator and armature for
use in electric vehicles. The technology has the promise of a
wheel hub-mounted motor assembly, eliminiating the weight of
motors and a drive train in the vehicle, dramatically simplifying
drive rains and increasing reliability. The company said that
U.S. military is investigating the use of electric-drive unmanned
ground vehicles for a variety of applications.
posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004
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http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=2465986 Jeffords buys
hybrid car, says others should follow suit
RUTLAND, Vt. Lots of politicians talk about lessening America's
dependence on foreign oil. Vermont U-S Senator James Jeffords has
put his money where his mouth is.
Jeffords yesterday signed a lease on a 2005 Ford Escape, a
gas-electric hybrid designed to get twice the miles per gallon of
a regular vehicle in its class.
The mid-size S-U-V has a regenerative braking system that stores
energy in fuel cells when the driver stops.
Its sticker says it gets 29 miles to the gallon the highway, and
33 in the city, where the brakes are used more often.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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http://daily.stanford.edu/tempo?page=content&id=14994&repository=0001_article
Friday, October 22, 2004 The new Harley-Davidson?
By Noah Weiss last updated October 22, 2004 5:27 AM
Imagine leaving Stern Hall and racing to the bookstore in 20
seconds, class in 30 seconds and University Avenue in under two
minutes. With his homebuilt minibike, junior Dan Preble can speed
past the Claw and up Palm Drive at 40 miles per hour.
It�s a blast and one of the most enjoyable things I do here,
Preble said. He and his friends devoted six years of labor to
building his bike, which looks like the �Honey, I Shrunk the
Kids� version of a Chopper, decked out with oversized Goodyear
tricycle tires and an engine twice the size of the helmet he has
never worn.
I was walking to class one day freshman year and I thought to
myself, �That would be the fastest thing on campus,�� Preble
recalled. He now enjoys �passing cars on campus, coming from the
bike lane to fly by somebody [and riding] in front of the
bookstore at full speed [to watch] the way people kind of run out
of the way.�
Walking through the morning clock tower rush has always been an
exercise in dodging bikers, rollerbladers and skateboarders. But
now there are a growing number of motorized scooters and
minibikes to evade, and they�re quickly creeping up on the
monopoly biking has held on Stanford transportation.
So far, motorized scooters have been popular mainly with
exhausted athletes and speed mavens. But many predict that as
cheaper and lower-maintenance models come out, the allure of an
effortless ride across campus will likely grow stronger.
More than just the thirst for speed, many minibike riders are
driven by sheer laziness.
Sophomore Brice Rolston, a member of the gymnastics team, bought
a gas powered Goped GSR-40.
I was far too lazy to ride my bike, and definitely too cheap to
buy a car,� he said.
For many freshman football players, a $99 electric scooter on
sale at Safeway was the purchase of the summer.
Freshman player Nate Wilcox-Fogel said that during training camp
in August, when he and his teammates lifted weights in the
morning and ran drills and practiced in the afternoon, many were
too worn-out to ride a bike.
Wilcox-Fogel said that over half of the freshman football players
now use motorized scooters and he predicted that the general
Stanford population will begin using them more as soon as �they
get over the fact that they�re scooters.�
Rolston offered another explanation for why minibikes are more
popular among athletes.
Riding your bike after a four-hour practice and riding your bike
after four hours of physics in the library are two totally
different things,� he said.
One downside Rolston admitted was that �you look way less cool�
on a Goped than on a bike. �In fact, you look downright stupid,�
he said.
Junior Chris Martinez agreed.
They�re always trying to cut me off,� he complained. �There�s all
these athletes trying to look cool with their little motor bikes.
It�s something other people don�t have. It�s like, �I�m a pimp
and I can beat you in a race, but I can also beat you with this
little motorbike, so it�s an extra slap in the face.��
Even football player freshman Carlos McFall admitted that
watching an enormous 305-pound offensive lineman racing up a hill
on a scooter the size of a clown bike was an amusing sight.
Notwithstanding the benefits of convenience, there are safety
concerns.
The brakes are pretty shitty, so you can�t slow down fast
enough,� noted Wilcox-Fogel.
There is nothing safe about going 30 miles per hour on an
under-braked machine with tires the size of the training wheels
on a kiddy bike,� Rolston said.
Martinez suggested that motorized bikes and scooters should have
a speed cap of 15 miles per hour, which is the average bike
speed.
Despite the dangers of bolting around campus at twice the speed
of bikes with less powerful brakes, minibike riders claim that
they stay safe.
In general I�m more aware on campus than most bicyclists,� Preble
said. �I�m more concerned about other people�s safety.�
Both Rolston and Preble claim that they have never had a
collision.
Martinez said that minibikes �make a lot of noise, even more than
electric golf carts.�
Owning and maintaining a minibike is also much more demanding
than keeping a bicycle. Preble warned that most people aren�t
prepared for all the maintenance time. Rolston noted that most
people won�t want to deal with poorly tuned carburetors or
misaligned sprockets.
Many of the Safeway scooters have already begun to break down,
with seat pins falling out and tires flattening so the rims get
bent. Wilcox-Fogel said that keeping scooters from falling apart
has been a challenging task.
But if you need to get from Escondido Village to the Medical
School in under a minute a minibike pushing 30 miles per hour
could be the perfect fit.
But as you blow past bikers and slalom around cars on your way to
Human Anatomy class, make sure you wind up at the Med School, not
the Stanford hospital.
Copyright 2004 Stanford Daily Publishing Corporation
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