EV Digest 6331
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) EVLN(Tesla opening an engineering center in Rochester Hills)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
2) EVLN(U.S. firms push Bush to catch up to Japan's hybrids)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
3) EVLN(DaimlerChrysler Donates GEM to Detroit's Firefighters)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
4) EVLN(Another Bricklin venture: PIH)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
5) EVLN(Mazda Tribute SUV Hybrid)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
6) EVLN(EV production unit planned for Wales)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
7) EVLN(ZAP/Lotus EV feasibility study)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
8) EVLN(E-bikes are the gateway into the world of LEVs)-long
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
9) RE: Series/Parallel question....
by Bill Dube <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
10) EVLN(LaPorte experimenting with an EV)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
11) EVLN(Valerie Myers' electric big toe on wheels)
by bruce parmenter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Tesla opening an engineering center in Rochester Hills)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/011207/loc_2007011232.shtml
Electric car engineering center will bring jobs to Rochester Hills
Friday, January 12, 2007
Electric car engineering center will bring jobs to Rochester Hills
By JOSEPH SZCZESNY Press Automotive Editor
DETROIT - A fledgling Silicon Valley company specifically created
to revive the electric car is opening an engineering center in
Rochester Hills.
Martin Eberhard, chief executive officer and founder of Tesla
Motors, said Thursday his company has already hired a dozen
engineers to staff the new technical center.
"I haven't even been there yet," Eberhard said after the third
annual automotive breakfast sponsored in connection with the
North American International Auto Show by Inforum, formerly the
Women's Economic Club.
Eberhard, however, said he expects the staff in the new Rochester
Hills center to grow to about 60 by the end of the year. Tesla is
joining a network of relatively small, high-tech companies that
has sprung up in the past couple of years along M-59.
Eberhard said the Rochester Hills staff is focused on Tesla's
"White Star" program, which is expected to do the basic
automotive engineering for a vehicle that can carry more than two
people and would extend Tesla's product range into
sedan/crossover territory.
"We're closing the deal on the building this week," he said.
"We're deep into the engineering on White Star and staffing up
like crazy. We're looking to hire chassis engineers, body
engineers and suspension engineers, not so much on the power
plant.
"If you want to hire good automotive engineers, you have to come
here," said Eberhard, who made a fortune during the high-tech
boom that flourished in California's Silicon Valley during the
1990s when he helped launch and manage two successful start-up
companies.
"The governor's also making us think about manufacturing White
Star in Michigan. She is very persuasive," he said. "To be
honest, we weren't thinking about Michigan before this for a
variety of reasons."
Eberhard said Tesla's goal is to produce an electric vehicle that
will sell for around $50,000, or about half the price of the
all-electric Tesla Roadster, which will retail for $92,000 when
it goes into production in England next year.
The Tesla Roadster has already turned heads across the United
States. Dan Neil, an auto critic for the Los Angeles Times, said,
"The Tesla Roadster delivers on its promise, which might be
summarized as stupid fun for smart people."
GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz recently told reporters he would
like to get one, and Time magazine named the car, which it
described as pure California, as one of its "Best Inventions of
2006."
The electric Tesla goes from zero to 60 mph in four seconds and
has a top speed of more than 130 mph while running on an array of
lithium-ionbatteries. The electric car also has a range of 250
miles on the highway.
Lithium ion batteries, which are widely used in cell phones and
laptop computers, extend the range of so-called plug-in electric
vehicles that can be recharged from a standard, 110-volt wall
socket.
Eberhard said during his presentation that electric vehicles
already have attracted considerable interest both from people
interested in protecting the environment and from people who are
concerned about the U.S. dependence on imported oil.
The Toyota Prius hybrid has been successful because it makes a
statement about values, Eberhard said. "People are buying these
vehicles because they make a moral statement," he said.
Tesla, which was founded in 2003 and has about 140 employees in
San Carlos, Calif., now has fully paid orders for 270 Roadsters,
said Eberhard, who has raised $27 million from venture
capitalists to finance the venture. Tesla will probably initiate
a second round of fundraising later this year, he said.
-
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EVLN(U.S. firms push Bush to catch up to Japan's hybrids)
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http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070110/BUSINESS01/701100303/1014/BUSINESS
HYBRID VEHICLES: Automakers want money for electric car batteries
U.S. firms push Bush to help them catch up to Japan
January 10, 2007 BY JUSTIN HYDE FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF
Detroit automakers have suggested that the Bush administration
triple money devoted to battery research and give incentives for
building electric vehicle batteries in the United States, company
executives said Tuesday.
The suggestions were sent to the White House in December, about a
month after the heads of General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and
the Chrysler Group met with President George W. Bush for an hour
in the Oval Office. Officials said that conversation included a
discussion of what the government could do to speed basic
research into batteries.
Such batteries will play an important role in the fortunes of
Detroit automakers, judging by the vehicles unveiled over the
past few days at the Detroit auto show. GM, Ford and
DaimlerChrysler are studying versions of gasoline-electric hybrid
vehicles that could be recharged by plugging into wall outlets,
and GM's Chevrolet Volt electric car concept uses even more
advanced technology to provide up to 40 miles of electric-only
driving.
But such vehicles will not be possible without drastically lower
costs, far less weight and other refinements in lithium-ion
batteries. All of the hybrids sold in the United States use
batteries from Japanese suppliers, and the Japanese government
has made maintaining dominance in battery technology a top
research priority.
The suggestions were designed to "make it the intent of the
United States to get to the point where battery suppliers and
technology were available in the United States," said Stephen
Zimmer, Chrysler's director of government collaborative
programs.
Bush has been an avid promoter of the idea of plug-in hybrids,
and recommended $31 million in his 2007 budget for battery
research at the U.S. Department of Energy, a 27% increase from
the previous year. But since Congress has not acted on spending
bills, the programs have been using their budgets from prior
years.
The industry's suggestions were sent to Al Hubbard, Bush's top
economic adviser. Bush typically uses his State of the Union
address, scheduled for Jan. 23, to unveil new energy conservation
proposals.
Officials said they suggested funding could increase to more than
$100 million a year for five years. Part of the DOE's battery
research funding is spent through the U.S. Advanced Battery
Consortium, a group managed by GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler,
which matches some government funding and helps direct where the
research dollars go among universities, suppliers and others.
USABC is part of the FreedomCar consortium, which gets about $300
million a year from the three automakers.
Despite those efforts, Japanese firms lead the market for hybrid
batteries, raising concerns among Detroit executives that they
could be cut off from future technology breakthroughs. GM Vice
Chairman Bob Lutz said last month that the Japanese government
was spending "huge amounts" on battery research, "and it would be
nice if our government would do the same."
GM spokesman Greg Martin said Japan and other Asian countries
were "investing several hundred millions of dollars" to develop
vehicle battery technology.
Ford used a battery system from Sanyo Electric on its hybrid
Escape SUV, but plans to use some battery management technology
from Delphi Corp. in the upcoming Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan
hybrid sedans. Ford spokesman Said Deep said the automaker was
making the switch in part to encourage a U.S. base for hybrid
technology.
But foreign governments aren't standing still. In a September
outline of its research program, Japan's Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry has requested 5 billion yen -- about $41
million at current exchange rates -- for battery research in its
2007 budget, up from 2 billion yen a year earlier.
Contact JUSTIN HYDE at 202-906-8204 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Copyright © 2006 Detroit Free Press Inc.
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EVLN(DaimlerChrysler Donates GEM to Detroit's Firefighters)
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informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-09-2007/0004502513&EDATE=
DaimlerChrysler Donates Dodge Ram 3500 and GEM Electric Vehicle
to Its Hometown Heroes - Detroit's Firefighters
DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund donates $25,000 to aid disabled
firefighters
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The season
of giving isn't over in Detroit. Last night, DaimlerChrysler
donated a Dodge Ram 3500 and a GEM electric vehicle to the
Detroit Fire Department as well as $25,000 to the Detroit
Fireman's Benevolent Fund.
The Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty will be used for towing the Fire
Safety House, which provides fire safety training for schools and
community groups, and the GEM electric vehicle for Fire
Department medical transport at Cobo Center. The monetary gift,
from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, will go toward aiding
disabled firefighters.
Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda presented the
vehicles and check to the Detroit Firefighters at Detroit Fire
Department Headquarters (The DaimlerChrysler Firehouse), across
from Cobo Center, as a part of its North American International
Auto Show activities.
"We believe it's important to pitch in and help people in the
communities where we live and work," said LaSorda. "That's why
we're proud to support and celebrate the Detroit Firefighters --
true everyday heroes who courageously put their lives on the line
for others. Chrysler Group is pleased to be able to donate two
vehicles and a monetary gift to the Detroit Firefighters, because
we know they will be put to great use."
This is the sixth year that Chrysler Group has used the Firehouse
during the Auto Show and included the Detroit Firefighters in its
charitable giving.
"The vehicle donation from Chrysler Group is timely and greatly
appreciated," said Fire Commissioner Tyrone Scott. "The vehicles
will help us increase the number of people we can make aware of
fire safety in the community and also assist in the Cobo Center
area; and the money from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund
will definitely help firefighters in need."
The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of
charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The Fund
annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an
emphasis on community growth and enrichment, arts and culture,
education, and youth development programs throughout the United
States and increasingly, the world.
SOURCE DaimlerChrysler Corporation
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Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love
(and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Another Bricklin venture: PIH)
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informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/08/AR2007010801542.html
A Visionary Plugs In to the Electric Car Race
By Warren Brown Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 9, 2007; Page D03
DETROIT -- To say the least, Malcolm Bricklin, chairman and chief
executive of Visionary Vehicles, is tenacious.
Bricklin brought Subaru, the gull-winged Bricklin SV-1 and Yugo
automobiles to North America from the late 1960s through the
early 1980s.
Some of his ventures, such as that with Subaru, were bona fide
successes. Others, such as that with the Bricklin SV-1 and the
ill-fated Yugo, were dismal failures.
Now, from all public appearances, Bricklin seems to have
experienced another embarrassing flop -- the termination of his
two-year campaign to bring affordable, high-mileage cars into the
United States from Chery Automobile of Wuhu City in China's Anhui
province.
Chery, instead, has chosen to enter the U.S. market by supplying
small cars to DaimlerChysler's Chrysler Group, which desperately
needs economical, fuel-efficient automobiles to help stem the
loss of buyers to Asian rivals in an era of rising fuel prices.
Bricklin, clad in his trademark black clothing, said in an
interview here at the North American International Auto Show that
he is undaunted by Chery's decision.
"God bless them," he said of the decision by Chery's executives.
"It's not the way they wanted to come into the United States.
They would have preferred coming in under their own brand name.
But it has to be good for Chrysler."
Bricklin's New York company has turned its attention to the
seemingly impossible task of beating giants such as General
Motors and Toyota in the race to market plug-in electric cars.
GM's Chevrolet Division on Sunday presented a prototype of a
plug-in electric model, the Chevrolet Volt, to the international
media in Detroit. GM's chief domestic rival, Ford, had a huge
prototypical display of what it calls its "HySeries Drive"
technology, which features a plug-in electric, hydrogen fuel cell
that can power a car 25 miles at speeds of up to 85 miles per
hour on a fully charged lithium-ion battery and then go another
200 miles on electric power generated by a small gasoline
engine.
Ford and Toyota officials have been meeting in Japan on an
unspecified project. There is speculation in the global auto
industry that the two companies might be working on a deal for
plug-in electric cars.
But GM and Ford officials say they are at least a decade away
from coming up with affordable, reliable lithium batteries that
would make plug-in electric cars feasible. Bricklin says he can
do the job in half that time, or better.
"I don't have to worry about amortizing the value of
transmissions and other components I'm using in traditional
gasoline-powered cars," Bricklin said. "I don't have that kind of
infrastructure. I can start fresh."
Bricklin acknowledged that the bigger car companies have billions
of dollars to pour into the development of plug-in electric
vehicles and that they are loaded with technological and
engineering talent. He said they are serious in their pursuit of
electric automobiles. "And that they are smart enough" to
eventually bring them to market, Bricklin said.
"But there is no way that they can just walk away from everything
that they have invested in current technology, and that includes
Toyota's complicated, expensive [gas-electric hybrid] system,"
Bricklin said.
The yet-to-be-named Bricklin plug-in electric would be "simple
and affordable," Bricklin promised. "It's going to be a fabulous
plug-in electric that gets the equivalent of 100 miles per
gallon. It will be luxurious, and it will cost 30 percent less"
than anything produced by the big companies, Bricklin said.
He was sketchy on the details. But he is not alone among senior,
rambunctiously visionary automotive veterans in thinking and
talking about developing an inexpensive, environmentally
friendly, high-mileage automobile.
Other like-minded individuals include two industry icons, racing
great and automotive designer Carroll Shelby, who turns 84 this
week, and Lee A. Iacocca, 82, the legendary chairman of what was
once an independently owned, American-controlled Chrysler.
In recent years, Shelby and Iacocca have discussed the
possibility of developing a car that can sell for $10,000 and get
at least 50 miles per gallon. Iacocca, at Bricklin's urging, once
tried his hand at developing a market for electric bicycles after
retiring from Chrysler in 1993.
"The technology wasn't ready to make it work back then," Bricklin
said. "But it's ready now. We can do this. We can give America an
affordable car that gets 100 miles per gallon. We have to do
this."
He said he plans to discuss the idea with Shelby and Iacocca. He
beamed at the thought -- what a magnificent last hurrah. Three
members of the "automotive over-the-hill gang" beating the big
companies to market with a 100-miles-per-gallon car.
"That would be something," Bricklin said. "We can do this. I know
we can do this."
===
[ http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=%22Malcolm+Bricklin%22 ]
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Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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. (originator of the above ASCII art)
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EVLN(Mazda Tribute SUV Hybrid)
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--- {EVangel}
http://news.hspn.com/articles/1077/1/Mazda-Ryuga-Concept-Vehicle-To-Headline-NAIAS/Page1.html
Mazda Ryuga Concept Vehicle To Headline NAIAS
By HSPN News covering Mazda | Published 01/7/2007 | Mazda ,
Japanese Manufacturers
DETROIT At this weeks North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS), Mazda North American Operations will unveil for the
first time ever its Ryuga design concept and its all-new
Tribute SUV Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). All attending media
are invited to the formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand at
10:15 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007.
Ryuga (pronounced: ree-yoo-ga) builds on Mazdas concept of flow.
Nagare Japanese for flow debuted at the Los Angeles Auto
Show in November and introduced the companys new design future.
Japanese for gracious flow, Ryuga will reflect a higher level
of sophistication through the use of rich fabrics, engineered
fits and hidden details. Ryuga is elegant and refined, but
radiates spirit and edge while portraying unique Japanese
beauty.
The Ryuga concept is an exploratory design study thats more
realistic than Nagare and therefore more useful in gauging
reactions from those who see it, said Laurens van den Acker,
design division general manager for Mazda Motor Corporation.
Ryuga adds definition by incorporating a working interior,
chassis and propulsion detail that were purposely absent from
Nagare.
Offering another, although far more immediate and real, look into
its future, Mazda also will debut the 2008 Tribute HEV. The
heavily revised Tribute HEV will be the first advanced-technology
vehicle dedicated to clean air that Mazda will sell to the
public, when it becomes available later in the year.
The Tribute HEV is one of the least-polluting vehicles on the
road, yet still delivers the performance required by SUV owners.
With a combined power output of its gasoline engine and electric
motor of 155 hp, the Tribute HEV provides plenty of power yet
meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) and
Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
standards in California the strictest emission regulations a
gasoline-fueled vehicle can meet.
In addition to the Ryuga concept and Tribute HEV, Mazda will
display the all-new seven-passenger CX-9 SUV, five-passenger CX-7
SUV and the balance of its 2007 product lineup.
Launched in May, 2006, the CX-7 is a highly styled crossover SUV
with a decided soul of a sportscar. Produced entirely on
Mazda-derived platform architecture, the five-passenger CX-7
embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV
practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV that represents
everything a Mazda SUV should be. Designed and engineered
specifically for North America, CX-7 is the first of a number of
important all-new Mazda vehicles designed and engineered
specifically for North America.
Set to arrive in North American Mazda dealerships in early 2007,
the CX-9 is a three-row, seven-passenger crossover SUV offering
an up-market interior with class-leading space and unmatched
versatility. Available in three trim levels Sport, Touring and
Grand Touring the CX-9 blends sporty driving spirit with
seven-passenger SUV practicality.
The NAIAS is open to the public Jan. 13-21 at the COBO
Conference/Exhibition Center in Detroit.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations
oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support
of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through
nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda
Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda
Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
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EVLN(EV production unit planned for Wales)
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--- {EVangel}
http://www.autowired.co.uk/news/article.aspx?storyid=17445
Electric car production unit planned for Wales
CWBRAN IN Wales is to be the site of a new venture to make
electric cars and vans.
Stevens Vehicles Ltd has been awarded a £170,000 from the Welsh
Assembly and will set-up a production unit on Cwmbran's
Forgehammer Industrial Estate.
Director, Peter Stevens, from London, (not the former design
director of MG Rover) who has experience in vehicle
manufacturing, says he will be developing the capacity of the
plant to manufacture and market a range of small cars and vans.
Up to now the project has been entirely self-financed by Mr
Stevens but he was unable to say how many jobs will be created or
how many vehicles per month the factory will produce.
He said he is planning to appoint directors who have extensive
experience in the motor industry.
===
http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Business&F=1&id=10133
Electric car maker aims to give Wales a lead 12/1/2007
Four of the latest Welsh Assembly Investment Grants will help
some 30 new manufacturing and sales jobs by assisting the launch
or expansion of businesses in South East Wales.
The grants, delivered under a fast-track scheme to aid the growth
of smaller businesses across Wales, are worth some £170,000 and
will support investment of nearly £1 million by the companies
concerned.
They include a new venture to produce electric powered vehicles
aimed at buyers in urban areas where car parking fees are waived
for zero emission vehicles or where free re-charging is provided
to electric vehicles.
Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks Andrew Davies
said:
These latest projects exemplify the range and ambition of the new
and smaller ventures which are now being helped to grow by the
Assembly Investment Grant scheme.
They also demonstrate the Assembly Governments capability and
willingness to back enterprise and help growth minded ventures to
achieve their potential in Wales.
Stevens Vehicles Ltd. is a newly launched enterprise, will be
based at Cwmbrans Forgehammer Industrial Estate which will give
Wales the opportunity to be one of the first producers in the UK
of zero emission vehicles.
The company is based on years of research into electric vehicle
technology and intends to develop the capacity to manufacture and
market a range of models including a car and a van.
Meanwhile in Caerphilly, a unique recruitment service,
meta-morphose International, will create eight jobs for
recruitment consultants. The new Welsh arm of one of Britains
leading sales training and selection specialists attract
graduates - and graduate calibre people - placing them in
companies with 12 months coaching and support.
meta-morphose Internationals groundbreaking sales training
utilises professional actors in roleplay situations, tailoring
its process to maximise improvements in sales techniques for each
client.
The company claims a 92% success rate of graduates delivering
their commercial targets and remaining with their employer at the
end of the first year. meta-morphose graduates have been winners
at national sales awards for the last six years. This year, all
eight finalists in the Sales Newcomer of the Year Products
category are meta-morphose graduates.
At Miskin, Investment Grant aid will enable a two year old CCTV
specialist business to expand eight strong workforce by a further
six people.
Cameratech Solutions Ltd. designs, supplies and installs CCTV
security and access control systems for industrial and commercial
applications.
Cameratech is expanding by offering its expertise to schools,
shops and pubs. The licensing trade in particular s generating
increased sales due to changes in the licensing laws.
And in Ferndale, CrossLink Ltd., which manufactures rubber
components for the automotive industry, will add five people to
the 140 the company currently employs after winning an important
contract.
Assisted by the Assembly grant, the company is investing in new
tooling and other equipment which will enable CrossLink to
manufacture new products.
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EVLN(ZAP/Lotus EV feasibility study)
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http://www.reliableplant.com/article.asp?pagetitle=ZAP,%20Lotus%20to%20carry%20out%20electric%20car%20feasibility%20study%20&articleid=4293
ZAP, Lotus to carry out electric car feasibility study
Author: RP news wires
Electric car pioneer ZAP announced January 16 that a feasibility
study is being carried out in its joint development of new
electric car designs with Lotus Engineering.
ZAP is moving forward with an aggressive program to stay at the
forefront of advanced transportation with new technologies and
products. ZAP selected Lotus Engineering, one of the world's
leading automotive design consultancies, to undertake engineering
concept studies for a number of electric vehicles.
The feasibility study is a comprehensive research project into
the creation of a new generation of ultra-efficient electric
automobiles from concept to production. Of particular interest in
the project is the challenge of advancing the electric car market
by incorporating new technologies which will maximize the
consumer appeal.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, said: "Initial
assessments conducted by ZAP indicate that there is a strong
opportunity to create a new generation of electric cars that
provide a superior driving experience while being practical and
affordable. We will use our automotive technology background to
look in greater detail at a range of factors to produce a
detailed analysis of these opportunities."
Steve Schneider, CEO of ZAP, said: "This feasibility study is a
critical part of the program that will clearly identify the
correct direction that future work should take. With the
appropriate diligence at this stage we can look forward to
incredibly exciting design and development projects that meet the
real needs of the market head on."
The study, with input from Lotus Engineering's technical centers
in Hethel, United Kingdom; Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, will look at a variety of critical success factors.
These cover several technical issues including the integration of
major components, new motor designs, controllers, batteries and
charging systems. Marketing considerations such as styling,
performance, and features will be studied, as well as
manufacturing process engineering, project timing and costs.
The goal in the feasibility study phase will be to provide a
comprehensive analysis to support ZAP in the process of
commercializing the new automobile concepts.
About Lotus Engineering
Lotus Engineering has been behind the design and construction of
some of the most successful cars in history and is one of the
world's premier automotive consultancies with engineering centers
in Asia, North America and Europe.
Employed by many of the major car manufacturers, Lotus
Engineering maintains a strong tradition of excellence in the
automotive business with cutting-edge engineering expertise, and
talented, visionary staff. Lotus Engineering offers full
engineering services capable of taking a project from initial
concept and product design, through development, testing and
prototype build, as well as production and production support.
[...]
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
' ____
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. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor, RE & AFV newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.
http://new.mail.yahoo.com
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(E-bikes are the gateway into the world of LEVs)-long
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/ci_5012624
Electric bicycles gaining traction
Environmental concerns, gas prices drive many commuters to
alternative modes of transportation
By Michael Manekin, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 01/14/2007 06:57:43 AM PST
[
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site181/2007/0114/20070114_072543_p10bike.jpg
]
ROB MEANS, founder of Electro Ride Bikes & Scooters in Milpitas,
sits pretty on an electric bike capable of going 15 miles per
hour without pedaling. (Bea Ahbeck - Staff) LIKE a lot of folks
on the Peninsula, Brian Howell is concerned about the
environment. So, when Howell's Acura Integra died last January,
he started shopping for a Toyota Prius.
But Howell, who has degrees in physics, mathematics, material
science and engineering, found the Prius a disappointment. He
wanted a car that didn't rely on the petroleum that sets U.S.
policy and spurs international wars; he wanted to be free of the
carbon dioxide bringing our planet toward climate catastrophe.
What he wanted, he said, was an electric car.
When Howell couldn't find one, he purchased an electric bicycle
and began commuting 7 miles from his home in Belmont to his job
as a Sony engineer in Foster City.
Now, he's a convert. "I was always planning on buying a car, but
I was addicted to these (electric) bikes," says Howell. "They're
easy to operate. They allow you the convenience of a motorcycle.
They give you exercise and fresh air. It has radically changed my
life."
Last year, as gas prices soared, congestion worsened and concern
for the environment heated to a fever pitch, more commuters began
to leave behind their cars. Sure, many have wisened up to public
transportation, but some were wooed by light electric vehicles
(LEVs) a broad range of contraptions that don't putt-putt-putt
so much as zoom-whir-zoom. The LEV field is broad, including
scooters, pedicabs, Vespa-like motor scooters and even miniature
cars.
For many, electric bikes are the gateway into the world of LEVs
but why is the two-wheeler so popular?
Rob Means, the founder of Electro Ride Bikes & Scooter in
Milpitas, has a simple explanation.
"More smiles per mile," he says.
Means, who sells a wide selection of the electric bikes and
do-it-yourself kits out of his South Bay home, says that electric
bike sales are increasing because it's a safe way for fed-up
commuters to test the electric waters without risking too much
money.
Bicycles, he says, are familiar, easy to use and "if you run out
of juice, you just pedal home."
The benefits of an electric bike, says Means, are economic,
environmental and health-related. Despite its high sticker price
(the models he sells range from $800 to $1,500), that's nothing
compared to the yearly cost of owning an automobile ($7,834,
according to AAA). Naturally, less money spent on fuel means less
carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide to harm the air quality, and
the health benefits of exercise are self-evident.
The persuasive arguments, coupled with technology advances, have
driven multiple manufacturers into the business at least 30,
according to Means. Small manufacturers sell boutique bikes for
as much as $5,000 and up, and big-box retailers peddle models for
as low as $300 although Means refers dubiously to the latter as
"landfill material."
Most electric bikes weigh between 60 and 90 pounds and come
equipped with an electric motor, a battery, a charger and a speed
controller (throttle- or pedal-activated). The motors, ranging
from 250 to 1,500 watts, are affixed to the front or back wheel.
The batteries, predominantly 24- or 36-volt lead-acid or
nickel-metal-hydride, tend toward the size of a bread basket.
Riding an electric bike is practically effortless.
Throttle-driven models can be powered by one's thumb, but a
little effort on the rider's part is encouraged to spare battery
life and increase speed. Pedal-powered models activate the motor
by pedaling alone.
Perhaps the electric bike's biggest impediment is the batteries,
whose 20-pound heft and limited 8-10 mile capacity may turn
consumers off. However, the spread of lithium batteries, which
weigh four times less and extend the life of the battery some 25
percent, promises further evolution and higher sales to come.
In fact, Howell, an engineer at Sony, has partnered with Means to
retail an electric bike of his own design a recumbent which he
claims can reach speeds of more than 30 mph and exceed distances
of 100 miles. Not bad, considering an average electric bike
reaches speeds of about 25 mph, requiring a charge after every
8-10 miles.
Of course, electric bicycles are limited by law to traveling less
than 20 mph, but Means insists that "nine out of 10 (cops) don't
know the rules of an electric bike."
A compelling feature of the bikes, Means says, is that they
remove the three most frustrating parts of riding a plain old
bicycle: starting from a stop, going up a hill or battling a
strong wind. And though hard-core cyclists may sneer, charging
that electric cyclists are cheaters, Means has a ready reply to
the charge.
"I just generally remind them that they are thinking from the
paradigm that a bicycle is for exercise, not recreation," he
says. "For those of us who think of it as transportation, it's
not a cheat."
On a recent sunny morning, ideal for a bike ride, Matt Leafgren,
31, drove his Toyota Corolla to Means' tiny showroom.
Leafgren, who studies industrial design at San Francisco State
University, already knew a great deal about LEVs, but he wasn't
ready to ditch one of the two family cars. In spite of the $40 a
week in gas, the traffic back-ups, the hassle of looking for a
parking space and getting ticketed anyway, Leafgren wasn't ready
to say goodbye to his car. Then, in January, the Bay Bridge tolls
climbed to $4.
"It's the least of the reasons, but it's the straw that broke the
camel's back," said Leafgren.
Now Leafgren wanted to buy a $600 kit to convert a used mountain
bike into a whirring, pedal-assisted commuting machine. Sure, he
had concerns about relying on an electric bike the battery's
short life and heft topped the list but he was excited for a
little exercise and fresh air, and tired of "feeling crappy about
global warming and contributing to oil dependence."
"This may be your first electric vehicle," Means told Leafgren.
"But I can guarantee it ain't gonna be your last."
A couple of days later, Means said, Leafgren bought the kit.
Then, on the same day, he sold his car.
"We live in a car culture," said Means. "But I'm starting to see
a shift. We haven't gotten up the hill, but the curve is starting
to bend."
Visit Electro Ride Bikes & Scooters online at
[ http://electric-bikes.com ].
Staff writer Michael Manekin can be reached at (650) 348-4331 or
by e-mail at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
© 2000-2006 ANG Newspapers
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
' ____
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. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor, RE & AFV newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
____________________________________________________________________________________
Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com. Try it now.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
A lot of mis-information in this thread. Let's get on the right track:
Lead-acid batteries of the same model and brand parallel very
nicely. (No need for contactor between them.)
You want to "buddy up" the batteries instead of running two
separate series strings. It is best to parallel batteries at the
lowest possible voltage level. This is standard practice.
There are a few reasons for this. First, the pack will last much
longer. Each series string is limited in its capacity by its weakest
battery. Thus, your capacity will be fixed by the single weakest
battery in each string. If you buddy up the batteries, the weakest
battery is very unlikely to be the buddy of the other weakest
battery. The stronger buddy helps the weaker buddy. It takes a lot of
weak batteries to seriously reduce your capacity.
Think of the effect of two (or three) 1/2 capacity batteries. If
they are buddied up with full capacity batteries, your pack capacity
will be reduced by 25%. If they are in each series string, your pack
capacity will be reduced by 50%.
In separate series strings, the weak batteries are "tortured" by
the full capacity batteries that surround them. They are cycled to
near (or beyond) their capacity each time. If they have a healthier
buddy, the weak battery uses it as a crutch and it ages much more
slowly because its cycle depth is greatly reduced.
The reliability of the pack goes up. A couple of corroded
connections are not likely to disable the car.
On the KillaCycle, we have 880 cells. We run 8 in parallel and 110 in
series. We parallel at the cell level.
Here is a picture of the pack:
http://www.killacycle.com/photos/a123/packinside.JPG
(Click on the picture for an even BIGGER picture.)
Bill Dube'
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(LaPorte experimenting with an EV)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://heraldargus.com/archives/ha/display.php?id=367698
Posted Online: 2006-12-30
Day-by-day chronology
[...]
April
[...]
29. A 56-year-old homeless Michigan City man is arrested for
stealing an electric motorized shopping cart at CVS in
Michigan City.
[...]
August
[...]
7. LaPorte city employees are experimenting with an electric car
that officials might decide to purchase.
[...]
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
' ____
~/__|o\__
'@----- @'---(=
. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor, RE & AFV newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
____________________________________________________________________________________
No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go
with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail
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--- Begin Message ---
EVLN(Valerie Myers' electric big toe on wheels)
[The Internet Electric Vehicle List News. For Public EV
informational purposes. Contact publication for reprint rights.]
--- {EVangel}
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=155266&format=html
Saturday December 30, 2006 Me & my Sparrow
Valerie Myers shows off her 2000 Corbin Sparrow electric vehicle.
(Photo credit: by Kevin G. Gilbert / Staff Photographer)
Woman says battery-powered car creates no emissions, doesn't
pollute the air by ANDREW SCHOTZ [EMAIL PROTECTED]
WASHINGTON COUNTY - The cartoonish look of Valerie Myers'
electric car - is she sitting in the cab of a big toe on wheels?
- is why people gawk.
The front of Myers' 2000 aqua Corbin Sparrow resembles a mutant
cross between a Volkswagen Beetle and a bumper car. The back
tapers and flattens, like a flipper.
You can't help but notice that the front end has two wheels and
the back end has one.
Myers, who lives east of Hagerstown, said getting insurance for
her electric car was problematic. The engine can't be described
in internal-combustion terms, such as cubic inches or number of
cylinders.
The power source for Myers' quiet Sparrow is six 12-volt
batteries under the hood and seven more under the seat, for a
total of 156 volts.
For insurance, the car is considered to be a motorcycle.
Myers, 53, is an information technology specialist for the
Department of Public Works and Transportation in Montgomery
County, Md.
Myers said she became interested in environmentally friendly
transportation after talking with an energy management engineer
she knew from work.
Cutting down on gasoline consumption and pollution appealed to
her. She bought the Sparrow to replace a Toyota Tercel with more
than 300,000 miles.
Still, the Sparrow has limits.
The biggest one is range. Myers said a full charge keeps the
engine going for about 50 miles, although she tries not to go
more than 40.
Myers must plan trips carefully; stopping for gas is much easier
than stopping for a recharge. She has been to Greencastle, Pa.,
for example, but that's a risky round trip.
The Sparrow's six cubic feet of space behind the seat doesn't
leave room for big shopping purchases.
Myers figures she can get about four six-packs of soda and five
or six bags of groceries. A 25-pound bag of dog food was tightly
wedged on one trip.
For these reasons, the Sparrow isn't Myers' sole ride. When
traveling farther or transporting a bigger load, she uses a 2003
Toyota Prius, a gas-electric hybrid that gets 50 to 60 miles to
the gallon.
Her 1960 Corvette is sitting in her garage for now.
People looking for affordable, efficient, environmentally sound
transportation can turn to electric vehicles, said Dave Goldstein
of Gaithersburg, Md., the president of The Electric Vehicle
Association of Greater Washington, D.C.
They use no gasoline. They have no tailpipes and no emissions.
Electric vehicles can be as small as golf carts or as big as
buses, Goldstein said.
They might be slow or fast, weak or powerful. The $100,000
electric Tesla Roadster was described by The Washington Post as
having an acceleration of "zero to 60 in four noiseless seconds,"
with a top speed of 135 mph and a range of more than 200 miles
per charge.
Myers and her Sparrow have competed in National Electric Drag
Racing Association events. She holds a record for her division -
71.83 mph in 19.182 seconds at the quarter-mile Mason Dixon
Dragway east of Hagerstown in 2005.
Myers bought her car in 2004 for $9,000 from a Bethesda, Md., man
who later tried to buy it back. She believes she has one of only
two Sparrows in Maryland.
Corbin Motors filed for bankruptcy in 2003. However, Myers Motors
(no relation to Valerie) of Tallmadge, Ohio, is selling an NmG,
or No More Gas - essentially the same car as the Sparrow - for
about $25,000.
Myers said it's hard to break people of their petroleum-based
habits, but she hopes her car sparks discussion.
"By 2050, we'll be out of gasoline," she said. "We need to
prepare now."
Sparrow facts
The Corbin Sparrow ...
Is a single-passenger, three-wheeled, zero-emission electric
vehicle.
Is classified as a motorcycle by the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Has a top speed of about 75 mph.
Uses 13 12-volt batteries, for a total of 156 volts. The
horsepower is about 25, with a peak of about 40.
Can cover at least 25 or 30 miles between charges, although some
estimates are as high as 60 miles.
Weighs 1,350 pounds.
Is 96 inches long by 52 inches wide by 57 inches high.
Was offered new for $13,900 for "jellybean" models and $16,995
for later-production "pizza-butt" models, which got their name
because Domino's Pizza ordered several as delivery vehicles.
Was made by Corbin Motors in Hollister, Calif., from 1999 to
2002. The company, which produced 285 Sparrows, filed for
bankruptcy in 2003.
Source: www.corbinsparrow.com, a site not connected to Corbin
Motors ©1996 - 2006 The Herald-Mail Company
-
Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter
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. http://geocities.com/brucedp/
. EV List Editor, RE & AFV newswires
. (originator of the above ASCII art)
===== Undo Petroleum Everywhere
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a PS3 game guru.
Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games.
http://videogames.yahoo.com/platform?platform=120121
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