That would make a really cool project for most high schools, in my
opinion. Hands-on experience, acquire knowledge of electric drive
technology, and end up with a cool hi-pro electric go-kart at the
end. You know there has to be a competition at the end of the school
year for these teams and their creations.
June 27, 2012
Renault Announces Battery-Optional Fluence Z.E. for Australia
Now that electric cars are on sale in most developed countries from major automakers,
we seem to be getting past the consumer perception that they don't work, they're all glorified
golf cars, they don't go fast enough, they don't go far enough, they're weird-looking, and
now they want to haggle on price. The lament, new, limited production EVs cost more than
a 10-year-old gasoline beater. The message they don't absorb (yet) is that the price
premium for a new EV is frequently the large-capacity, advanced battery inside it. Most
drivers don't think about their transportation energy costs beyond the next fill-up.
Therefore, it is difficult to get them to understand that the $10,000 battery purchase
premium should be compared to the total gasoline bill they will be paying over the next
decade, likely in the order of $30,000 (e.g., 20,000 km x 10 years @ 10 km/litre x $1.50
per litre).
So Renault, along with Better Place, are planning to sell the Fluence ZE electric car
using the gasoline consumption business model. Buy the car without the battery to get the
sticker price down, then pay a monthly lease that mimics the practice of buying gasoline
on your credit card and paying that bill once a month.
Article at caradvice.com
June 15, 2012
The National Post Misunderstands Marcelo
While I continue to be impressed by the sheer personal energy and resolve of
Marcelo da Luz, it seems the National Post does not share my respect. I gather the
article author has not met Marcelo, or had the privilege of spending time with him.
Marcelo wrote the following to me on Thursday, and I thought I should share it.
Ola Darryl and JP,
There was this article on the National post yesterday, I thought you would like to
read and share this article with EVCO and DEVA members.
Darryl, I left a comment and placed a plug to your book.
[Web page removed by the National Post: http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/06/14/68913]
Stay beautiful,
Marcelo da Luz
The Power of One, solar car project
Ph. (416) 465 9459
E-Mail: mdaluz@xof1.com
Website: www.xof1.com
"inspired by the sun, motivated by the environment"
June 13, 2012
Electric Vehicle History Presentation Video
As some of you are aware, in addition to some other things I do, I am the Historian
for the Electric Auto Association. As a result,
I do presentations on EV history from time to time. In January 2010, I did one for
the Friends of CRC. This event is memorable for me because Dr. Fred Green worked there
for many years - introducing an EV - the Marathon C-150 - to their operations. Fred
was a long-time and very active member of the
Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO). While Fred was looking forward to
this particular presentation, when the day came, he was not feeling sufficiently well
to attend. Sadly, he passed away a short time later.
The Friends of the CRC recorded this session, and were kind enough to provide me
with a copy. In the course of organizing and digitizing a number of EV-related videos,
I happened across this again, and thought someone out there might think it is worth
watching. If you have about an hour (51 minutes) and a media player that can view
.RM files (e.g., RealPlayer, FinalPlayer, etc.), you can
give it a look.
Enjoy!
June 11, 2012
Naysayer U-Turn on Hybrids
While the all-electric models are stealing the headlines at auto shows in the
past year, the hybrids are proliferating, maturing, increasing in electric
capability and sprouting charging ports. While GM charged in from the skunk
works with their Volt plug-in hybrid car, Toyota has been slowly ramping up
the electric capabilities in the Prius and Camry lines until they finally had
to produce the Prius PHV - the Toyota hybrid with a plug.
Over the years, I had come to the conclusion that AJAC members (Automotive
Journalists Association of Canada) would continue to shower all EVs and
hybrids with their withering disdain until all the gassers had passed into
the dinosaur status which provides their go-juice.
However, now that hybrids come in a variety of flavours from many auto
manufacturers, and provide both superior performance or superior fuel
economy - often in the same package, even one AJAC type has noted that
the green premium for hybrid-lite vehicles is diminishing to possibly
acceptable levels in this article titled
The Day the Excuses Died.
If you want to know what consumers are really buying - watch the television
car and truck ads and their never-ending purchase incentives. The thing to
note is which vehicles don't qualify for the 0-interest financing, or add-on
chrome packages or employee-pricing promotions or cash-back incentives.
Those would be the hybrids, plug-in hybrids and real electric cars - because
those are selling as fast as the manufacturers can produce them - without
those manufacturer or dealer incentives.
June 1, 2012
California Pulls the Plug on Hydrogen Highway Filling Stations
Seems the Schwarzenegger Hydrogen Highway legacy has hit another speed bump.
The multi-million dollar process for awarding taxpayer money to multi-national
mega-corporations - shockingly (not!) - got skewed so that local companies got
squeezed out.
System for doling out 'hydrogen highway' grants is polluted
California Energy Commission cancels dubious hydrogen fueling station grants
[Webpage has bit-rotted: http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/hydrogen-116335-highway-commission.html]
Hydrogen Highway Fails Smell Test
If we stop providing these sweet-heart deals to energy and other multi-national
corporations already making historic profits, or start removing the other subsidies
taxpayers keep funding to support them in Canada and the U.S. (despite signing
international agreements to stop doing so), how will they ever stay in business?
Oh right, by gouging us at the fuel pumps, and funding their carbon capture
mega-project fantasies, and tax holidays, and exemptions from meeting
environmental regulations, and letting them repatriate assets from countries
where they have been found liable for damages by the legal system in those
countries, and 'streamlined' environmental review processes
and ... Never mind.
May 31, 2012
Will Electric Cars Ever Sell in Volume?
In my discussions with consumers and electrical utilities, once we get
past the "how fast, how far, how much?", and "won't they crash the
grid?" questions, and "they cost too much" issue, we usually get to the
"will they succeed in the market place?" question (which usually means,
can I get parts and service and charging away from home, and do we need to
upgrade the last mile distribution infrastructure?).
The reality is that most people really don't know much about the cars
and trucks they drive. It is a small proportion of people who do their own
maintenance. Many people I speak with that drive a car or truck daily don't
even know they should be checking tire pressure at least monthly. So it is
no wonder that a lot of people don't know that even a handful of electric and
plug-in hybrid cars are actually available for sale. It takes time for this
information to permeate into the showrooms, let alone into the public mind-space.
More time to dispel myths and actually get people to understand what the
new 'thing' is and does. Then, there is the turnover of the privately-owned
on-road fleet - roughly 20 years from manufacture to retirement from service.
The automatic transmission became widely available for about 60 years now,
and there are still a lot of manual transmissions sold.
For something really new to actually get a real
foothold within a decade of introduction is almost unheard of in the
automotive world. That's why it is so remarkable to see this news item.
After just 12 years since the original introduction of the Mark 1 Prius to
the North American automarket in very limited quantities, in the first
quarter of 2012, the
highest-selling car in the world is the Toyota Prius hybrid! Ahead of
the perennial past winner - the Corolla.
With Toyota expanding the Prius line to include a plug-in hybrid this year,
and other major manufactures expanding their hybrid and plug-in hybrid
offerings, and introducing all-electric cars, it seems pretty clear to me
that electric cars will indeed sell in volume in the years to come.
May 30, 2012
Why Electric Cars Should Not Have Noisemakers (Again)
I was enjoying that vague place between sleep and wakefulness this morning,
knowing that my alarm was not set as I was treating myself to a bit of sleep-in
after several hectic weeks of EVents and work commitments. There was a gentle,
but variable cool breeze coming in through the window, combined with the
half-light of early morning with the sun low in the sky and barely filtering
past leaves on the trees in the yard. Unfortunately, a bit before 6 a.m., the
tranquility was destroyed by the roar of a neighbour starting their poorly
muffled motorcycle, followed by about ten minutes of the torturous sound that
can only be produced by a gasoline engine with the idle set incorrectly.
Today, that is why I would like to see my neighbours driving electric vehicles.
Back in the 1980s, when I was commuting with my second electric car, my
typical work day began early. That vehicle was equipped with a reversing
alarm (noisemaker) as a safety device. My neighbours asked me to disable it,
so their morning sleep would not be interrupted. I complied. However, it
looks like the U.S. oil lobby will succeed in denying that opportunity to
the neighbours of future EV owners in the U.S. and Canada.
So far,
Ford is not imposing this penalty on the owners of their 2011
Focus Electrics and their neighbours. However, it may be a short-lived
victory for those of us that like to turn down the volume on the urban and
suburban soundscape. Pity. In years to come, I think our descendants will
see this as one of those 'what were they thinking?' moments.
May 29, 2012
Marcelo da Luz at May EVCO Meeting
Last night, many had the opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at the
Xof1 Project solar car at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. This was followed
by an engaging and inspiring presentation by the man behind the building of the car,
and for the past month, in front of it - pulling it from Toronto to Ottawa.
It was an honour for EVCO to serve as the unofficial end for Marcelo's Pull for the
Environment, which reached its official end at Parliament Hill at mid-day.
Some of the recent media coverage:
Ottawa Citizen
Canada.com version
[Link has bit-rotted: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Forbidden+drive+activist+pulls/6693311/story.html]
Vancouver Sun version
Autos.sympatico.ca
[Link has bit-rotted: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/05/28/ottawa-solar-powered-car-pulled-by-toronto-man-for-environment.html]
CBC
Metro News
Second item
Canada Newswire
Brockville Recorder and Times
[Link has bit-rotted: http://transitionbrockville.com/2012/05/08/solar-car-pulling-into-town/] Transition Brockville
Ganonoque Reporter
[Link has bit-rotted: http://www.hybridcars.com/news/solar-car-being-pulled-over-295-miles-46340.html]
Hybridcars.com
Autos.ca
Northumberland News
Northumberland Today
EV World
Well, you get the idea. Our world needs more Marcelos.
May 23, 2012
Who knew the best seat in the house isn't in a house, but is behind the
steering wheel of the support vehicle? That's one of the things I learned
today.
Marcelo approaching pulling his solar electric car today
I also learned that a day with Marcelo is not just about following him. It also
involves pulling ahead, scouting for scenery, using a video camera and digital still
camera, keeping an eye to the rear looking for approaching vehicles and talking
with scores of people who are completely fascinated by the apparition the see
moving down the road.
Marcelo pulling away with his solar car in tow
Spend some time with Marcelo, and you will even learn the reasons why he is pulling
the solar car instead of driving (and no, it is not because the car is broken).
If you can't arrange to meet Marcelo en route, we hope to get him to the
[Site no longer exists: http://ottawaschoolssolarsprint.com/] Solar Sprints
in Kanata this coming Saturday (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and he will be presenting
to a special open EVCO meeting
on Monday evening, May 28th. (7:30 p.m. at the Canada Science and Technology Museum)
May 22, 2012
EcoCars in Gumball 2012 Rally
Sometimes you just do an activity to show the flag where it isn't expected.
I figure the request from Karta Healey to bring EVs out to the various stops for
the 2012 Gumball 3000 Rally falls into that category. Given there are some
performance EVs with long range capabilities and some plug-in hybrids available
now from OEMs, along with hi-pro machines from enthusiasts, why not
invite the eco-fleet to come out and play?
Besides, this year the first stop is in Canada, so if you are near Toronto
this coming Friday (May 25th), why not
come down and see the
spectacle (and bring your EV or PHEV)?
Karta wrote:
I want to extend our invitation to all local EV owners to display their cars at
each check point and join us long the route:
Times Square grid on 24th of May
25th depart for Toronto
26th/27th at the Indy500!
28th in Kansas City
29th Santa Fe
30th Las Vegas
31st Hollywood
We will be doing a profile of each car and its driver and ideally interview you
for the film. Owners and their guests can take part in whichever or all aspects,
including the glamorous parties hosted each night. As long as your batteries are
charged for the next day!
And of course, if they really want to get involved, they can fill a slot in the
actual relay between New York and Los Angeles. Quite the logistics, timing is
everything, so please get in touch as soon as possible.
Pass this around, and have any and all email me with a photo of their beloved
Tesla and we will be sure to get you involved in every way possible.
May 15, 2012
Ford Delivers a Winner - the Focus Electric
Thanks to Ford Canada, today I had the distinct pleasure of taking one
of their Focus Electric cars out for a quick spin on city streets. The
acceleration was smooth and authoritative, the handling crisp and responsive
and the drive was quiet.
I drove with the windows down just to check this out. When others have
used an existing body style, the quiet one expects from an electric drive
train is often lost in translation. Based on my experience today, Ford
gets it, and got it right in this car. This is not an EV that will evoke
images of golf cars or wedge-nose EVs of the past; this is a car you will
see in your everyday life, that happens to be electric.
By the end of the test drive, I knew this was an EV I wanted to have
my wife get into and take for a real test drive, because I want to drive
this electric car.
By the time John Bardwell finished talking about how the Ford Focus Electric fits
into the Ford vehicle line and philosophy, I didn't just want the car,
I wanted a job at Ford finding ways to put thousands of these cars into
the hands of Canadian drivers.
Ford - nice job!

Metro Ottawa's coverage of the event today
May 12, 2012
2012 Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) EV Expo
The big day has arrived, with the sun shining bright, and nary a cloud on the
horizon. A 180-degree turn from the weather we endured in 2011. Mother Nature's
smile upon us brought out the smiles amongst our exhibitors and attendees.
While the fine weather may have enticed some of our potential audience away to
other fair-weather activities on a Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised by the
quality of the questions and apparent level of knowledge about electric vehicles
within the visitors to the event. We're no longer getting the 'is that really an
electric car?' question, but rather the 'how can this work for me?' question - a huge
advance in understanding within the public.
EVCO members and others brought out their vehicles and projects. I snapped a
few photos, and a tiny sample is shown below.

Side view of the EVCO electric conversion demonstration trailer

Under the hood of the EVCO electric conversion demonstration trailer

The Dymon Storage Tesla Roadster 2.5 electric sports car. I took the picture from this
angle because unless you get to see the car sitting still at our event, this may be the
only angle from which you will recognize it - briefly. It's not like you will hear it
coming up behind you!

Same idea, only this time in red. (There are also orange and green Tesla Roadsters
in the Ottawa area).

We were pleased to welcome some of our local ENGOs to the event this year, such as
Ecology Ottawa. However, even the dedicated volunteers for these organizations found
much of interest to see at the show, so occasionally the booths looked vacant. Never fear,
once they saw someone nearby, they hastened back.

EnviroCentre's BikeMobile promoting Bike to Work month (OK, enough ENGO booth shots,
but note the motorcycle-mimic e-bike in the background - top right).

This 3-wheeler electric provides a measure of protection from the elements, while
remaining true to its bicycle roots.

This Go One 3-wheeler enclosed bike has been modified to include an electric drive system
with advanced lithium batteries, making it a human-electric hybrid.

Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) brought a Prius V hybrid vehicle from Mississauga.

Ricardo came by and found a source of electrons, proving that 'charging stations' are
all around us, if you take the time to look for them. It was nice of Ricardo to drop by ...

as it gave us our Nissan Leaf 1-2 punch. Ricardo and Darren have the first 2 Nissan
Leafs sold in Canada. Ottawa is definitely EV country.

Speaking of multiples of vehicles, we were pleased to have the City of Ottawa bring out
their Volt for our show ...

where it joined the Volt used by Hydro Ottawa, and a privately owned Volt (black).

We had a nice selection of converted cars as well, including Sparky, sporting lithium
batteries for the first time.

Also showing off lithium in a bright red wrapper, this conversion of a VW New Beetle.

Just to show that the fun is not just for Beetles, this Jetta conversion also sports
a lithium battery pack.

Another recent local conversion is this Ford Fiesta.

This Solectria Force is an EV Expo veteran, and still going strong as a daily driver.

As in years past, since EVCO worked to make electric-assist bicycles legal in Ontario
(2006 and 2009), we reaped the harvest of that work with numerous e-bikes on display.

I know this photo gallery isn't complete, and apologies to those I have left out.
More images available at the EVCO website
(courtesy of Peter Chaloner).
May 11, 2012
Electric Cars on the Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall
EV enthusiasts, buckle your seatbelts, because you are in for some kind
of virtual EV ride this week. Time to get your EV Grin on!
On behalf of EVCO, I helped the Ontario Electrical League round up a bunch of electric
vehicles for their trade show day at the Marriott Hotel.

Rob stands beside his electric steed, Miss Anne, making the point that with an e-bike,
one can arrive at work fresh and without breaking a sweat.

A peak under the hood of Blair's VW Jetta, now using LiFePO4 batteries.

Hydro Ottawa Limited's Chevrolet Volt dressed in a fetching green, with EVCO member
Bob in his personal EV.

Darren's 2011 Nissan Leaf (second delivered in Canada) showing what's under the hood.

The City of Ottawa's Chevrolet Volt, which is being tested in multiple municipal
government roles, with a view to expanding their electric fleet.

Dymon's Tesla Roadster 2.5 all-electric sports car would turn heads, even if it wasn't bright yellow.

Eaton brought out their Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car to showcase their charging station.

Lorne models Schneider's Level 2 charging station (aka EVSE=Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
and their Nissan Leaf.
Stay tuned - tomorrow, the annual EVCO EV Expo!
May 10, 2012
2012 EVCO EV Expo
Sorry that things have been quiet here on the EV blog front. It has not
been for lack of news, but lack of time as preparations for the 2012 edition
of the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) annual EV Expo take up a
lot of my time just now. The
EV Expo takes place this coming Saturday,
May 12th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
One of the figurative hats I wear on a regular basis is that of President of EVCO.
So, consider this my personal invitation to come and see a wide variety of electric
and hybrid vehicles, if you are anywhere near Ottawa this coming Saturday.
This event is open to the public. Free admission. Free parking. OC Transpo
service will get you close to the front parking lot where we will be set up.
If you have questions about electric or hybrid vehicles, why not come and ask
real experts, the owners and drivers of electric vehicles - on-road and off-road?
Some of our members have EVxperience going back more than 30 years!
So far, even the weather forecast is co-operating, so we're looking forward to
a great day of showing, talking and demonstrating EVs.
(I'll try to get the blog back into regular action next week, after the show is over.)
April 27, 2012
Yet Another Gas-Out Farce
It must be that time of year again. As the summer driving season approaches
and the oil majors use that as an excuse to gouge us again (note recent price-fixing
convictions in Canada), the usual response in the form of e-mail spam has been
hitting my inbox with unfortunate regularity. (If you think this is off-topic
for an EV blog, bear with me and read on.)
Here's the content from the one I have seen a few times recently. Sorry, it's
long, but it sets the scene for my response that follows.
"Subject: FW: Gas War starts!
GAS WAR STARTS MAY 1st 2012
THIS IS NOT THE 'DON'T BUY' GAS FOR ONE DAY, BUT IT WILL SHOW YOU HOW WE CAN GET
GAS BACK DOWN TO $1.00 PER LITRE.
This was sent by a retired Coca Cola executive. It came from one of his engineer
buddies who retired from Haliburton. If you are tired of the gas prices going up
AND they will continue to rise this summer, take time to read this please.
Phillip Hollsworth offered this good idea. This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the
"don't buy gas on a certain day" campaign that was going around last April or May!
It's worth your consideration. Join the resistance!!!!
I hear we are going to hit close to $ 1.50 a litre by this summer and it might go
higher!! Want gasoline prices to come down?
We need to take some intelligent, united action. The oil companies just laughed at
that because they knew we wouldn't continue to "hurt" ourselves by refusing to buy gas ...
It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them. BUT, whoever
thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can Really work. Please read on
and join with us!
By now you're probably thinking gasoline priced at about $.99 is super cheap.
Me too! It is currently $1.28 at SUNOCO and ESSO for regular unleaded in Hamilton
and Ottawa and climbing every week.
Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that
the cost of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $.87 to .99, we need to take aggressive
action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..not sellers.
With the price of gasoline going up more each day, we consumers need to take action.
The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone
in the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting
ourselves.
How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas.
But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war.
Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the two
biggest companies (which now are one), SUNOCO(PETRO CANADA) and ESSO.
If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If
they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit.
But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of SUNOCO(PETRO CANADA )
and ESSO gas buyers. It's really simple to do! Now, don't wimp out on me at this
point...keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!
I am sending this note to 30 people. If each of us send it to at least ten more a
(30 x 10 = 300) ... and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000)...
and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth group of people, we will have
reached over THREE MILLION consumers .
If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30
million people will have been contacted!
If it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!
Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all!
How long would all that take? If each of us sends this e-mail out to ten more people
within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION people could conceivably be contacted
within the next 8 days!
Acting together we can make a difference.
If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we not buy
from SUNOCO(PETRO CANADA)/ESSO UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $.99 RANGE AND
KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK.
REMEMBER – STARTING MAY 1st NO GAS FROM ESSO / PETROCAN / SUNOCO!
(why wait till then, get into the habit by starting now)
Sorry about the length of that, I hope you're still with me for my response.
First, please don't forward that e-mail content to others. It's horsefeathers.
However, if you receive a version of it, I encourage you to send the following as
a response to whomever sent you the original (or just this URL:
http://www.econogics.com/ev/evblog.htm#GasPriceRealResponse)
Econogics Response to "Gas War Starts"
If it makes you feel better, go ahead and boycott a gas station chain. Just
understand that it will have no effect on the major oil companies whatsoever.
If this is really the thinking of Coca-Cola and Halliburton
(an oil industry support company - consider the source) executives on
how to reduce consumer prices for gasoline in Canada, that is sad.
Why This Won't Work
Imperial Oil (Esso) and Suncor/Sunoco/PetroCanada make most of their
revenue from refining oil into consumer products (gasoline, propane,
diesel fuel, heating oil, kerosene, etc.), and not from retail sales.
They control the wholesale price charged to retailers (research 'crack
spread'). Yes, they still have some corporate retail outlets, but for
the most part they have franchised those out, so it is some small, local
business owner that is going to get damaged by this action. We're not
dealing with idiots at the major oil companies - they knew enough to
insulate themselves from this type of action. Unless you are going to
go to the trouble of figuring out which "PetroCanada", "Sunoco" and
"Esso" gas stations are corporate and which are franchised in order to make
your boycott effort hit home. That's
way too much effort for the typical North American consumer.
Now, consider where the small independents you might buy from instead
get their product. From Imperial Oil and Suncor/PetroCanada.
Seriously, have you ever seen a Canadian Tire oil refinery? So buying
from these retailers still puts the same money in the pockets of the big
oil companies you thought you were targetting.
So long as you continue to buy the gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil,
etc., you're just playing their game and you can't win.
Doing Something That Will Work
Or, people could do something that actually would reduce their
expenditures on gasoline.
Start here:
http://www.econogics.com/en/savefuel.htm
May 1 (May Day - the international Worker's Day) seems like a great date
to embrace the warmer weather, park your gasser, and embrace walking,
cycling or public transit for some of your transportation needs. Or,
you could really go crazy and look at the potential for an electric (or
hybrid) vehicle that uses no (or less) gasoline - like an electric
bicycle! Personally, I telecommute a lot, and walk or use an e-bike for
some of my errands. This did not happen overnight, it is the result of
conscious approaches to my transportation requirements, choosing a job
that did not require a regular physical commute (even though I have an
electric car), and a bit of luck. If you want, and you are prepared to
make some effort, you can reduce the amount of gasoline or diesel fuel
or heating oil you buy significantly. I did. But, be very clear, it is
up to you, and not the oil companies, to make those changes. Understand,
they like things just the way they are.
If we, as a nation of consumers, would reduce our gasoline and diesel consumption by 5%
from May to September this year, you would see panic in the boardrooms of
the major oil companies. Your call. Based on past experience, I'm
personally betting that you won't take
any real action. Go ahead and prove me wrong.
If you have real questions - e-mail me (darryl@econogics.com). Don't
e-mail me to tell me you HAVE to use a gas-burner for whatever rationalization
provides you with comfort. I am only suggesting you find a way to cut your
fuel consumption by 5% for the fair weather months, and I'm providing you
with a bunch of ideas on how you can do it (and a lot more). If you choose
not to do so, that is entirely up to you. But if that is the case, please,
please, stop whining about your choice to pay the price of your transportation fuel.
April 23, 2012
Union of Concerned Scientists on EV GHG Emissions
If you are one of the few that still believe climate change is a hoax
(have you been watching weather reports recently?), then you can ignore today's
blog entry. It's not as though getting off foreign oil, reducing air, water,
soil, thermal and noise pollution would interest you either.
One of the persistent myths (thank you oil and coal lobbies) is that using
electric vehicles does not provide any substantial greenhouse gas or pollution
emissions reductions. That is despite multiple studies by various organizations
over the years that say otherwise, and NO scientific evidence that actually
supports that contention. Today, I'll just point you at one more study, this time by
the U.S. Union of Concerned Scientists that provides yet more evidence that
EVs are better for the environment than fossil-fueled vehicles, no matter what
is used to generate power for the grid.
The full report is a hefty 65 pages. The graph on page 5 indicates why Canada
has a better EV environmental impact story to tell than the U.S. - we burn a lot
less fossil fuel to generate electricity. (For some high level Canadian information,
you could start with this
backgrounder I wrote for Electric Mobility Canada a while back. I think the
graphs pretty much tell the story.)
April 18, 2012
How Not to Implement EV Charging Stations
There are plenty of vested interest naysayers and just plain curmudgeons that
delight in stories of how EVs can't work, or how they have to be subsidized, or
just generally revel in stories of how alleged support gets fouled up.
Another reminder of how these things get messed up. The public charging stations in California and Arizona
installed in the 1990s based on proprietary standards were allowed to fail by their
alleged supporters, and are now being ripped out rather than upgraded to support
the standard that has emerged (J1772 and NEMA 5-20) since then, that could just be retrofitted to
the existing wiring and conduit. Or Costco in the U.S., now ripping out their '90s era charging
stations just in time to miss the opportunity of Leafs, Volts, i-MiEVs etc. now
coming to market, and potentially parking at their stores. Ooops.
If you are a municipal government or business looking to install charging
stations, please talk to someone who understands the real requirements before
spending tax dollars or your money on charging stations. EV owners do want the
charging stations (watch for the "I don't shop where I can't charge" message to
start popping up this year as gasoline prices rise through the summer driving
season). However, we want them where we will use them, not in some back alley
behind some municipal building that happens to have some under-utilized
power circuits. Failing to plan = planning to fail.
April 16, 2012
Future of transportation: Electric push needs bigger boost
OK, really, what other story was I going to cover today?
Go look at the Financial Post article, then come back - I think you'll understand.
Note the realities set out in this article. I am pictured at home with my EV,
where I charge it. Ricardo is pictured with this EV at work, where he can charge it.
The real key to acceptance of EVs hinges on 2 things:
1) getting people to understand their real driving needs, and
2) putting charging stations where people really need them.
While I applaud businesses that want to put high capacity charging stations at the side
of major inter-urban highways, I really need them at home, at work, and where I spend a
chunk of time on a regular basis (arenas, movie theatres, other entertainment venues,
sit-down restaurants, hospitals and doctors' offices (because they never take me on time).
Then, once we have that mind-shift underway, we can get people to understand that they
have other transportation options than strapping on a 2-tonne fire-breather, be it
an electric-assist bicycle, an electric motorcycle, walking, cycling, transit, etc.
April 12, 2012
E-Bikes Are Turning Dutch Market Upside Down
The weather in the Netherlands is somewhat milder than in much of Canada, our
wet coast, southern Ontario and some of the maritimes notwithstanding. Still,
with record high temperatures in much of central and eastern Canada for almost 10
days last month, the cycling season is undoubtedly extending into more of the
year here. So consider the implications of
[Webpage has bit-rotted: http://www.bike-eu.com/news/e-bikes-are-turning-dutch-market-upside-down-5784.html]
a report in the Netherlands - a
cycling Nirvana - that e-bikes are breaking into younger age groups because they
are seen a practical daily transportation.
Combine that sort of revelation with the start of cycling season and forecasts of
gasoline hitting $1.60 a litre this summer, and e-bikes just might be hard to come
by in months to come. Glad mine is already sitting in my garage. Owners may want
to invest in good locks to ensure their electric steeds are where they left them.
Let's suppose you use a car that gets 10 litres/100 km, and travel 30 km a
day, 5 days a week. In six months (cycling season hereabouts for most folks),
you will consume about $625 worth of gasoline, plus at least one, and likely two,
oil changes, and some other maintenance, and probably pay for some parking.
Call it $800 in round numbers. Now, go price some e-bikes. I think you will
find $800 will go a long way to paying for your new ride, if not pay for it
completely. Buy something that fits you and your needs, and buy quality so the
machine will last with minimal problems.
April 10, 2012
The Day After the Future of Transportation Fuels Chat
Yesterday, I participated in an on-line 'chat' hosted by the Financial Post,
on the Future of Transportation Fuels. Also participating in the chat was
Alicia Milner, president of the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance.
While NG advocates are promoting their fuel as the future for road transportation,
we noted that the fueling infrastructure that existed a decade ago for NG vehicles
has now disappeared. Further, a regular consumer can't even buy a NG vehicle from a
manufacturer anymore, and even the industry acknowledges that the cost of conversion
and home fueling appliances are only attractive for those driving in excess of
40,000 km annually for the life of the vehicle. It's kind of like the EV story in
reverse. Two years ago, you could not buy an OEM EV in Canada, and now you can.
I was asked what I thought was the biggest misconception was around electric cars.
My response: that we need to wait for publicly accessible, high current charging
stations for EVs to be a success in Canada.
April 4, 2012
How High Do Gasoline Prices Have to Go for Drivers to Wake Up?
The start of the day for many Ottawa drivers today was facing the big signs
at gasoline stations showing over $1.40 a litre.
Industry experts are forecasting over $1.60 a litre in some parts of
Canada before the summer of 2012 is finished.
'Man at the pump' interviews in the mainstream media show drivers complaining
about the price increases, but resigned to them. 'What can I do?' they ask,
assuming the answer is nothing but pay the posted price.
If you want to do something, you can. But complacent sheep will go to the
slaughter. Today, you have options, even here in the oil kingdom of Canada.
You can buy an electric car (Nissan Leaf), or a plug-in hybrid (Chevrolet Volt),
or a conventional hybrid (various manufacturers), or an electric motorcycle (Zero),
or an e-bike (too many brands to mention), or cobble something together yourself.
In short, if you want to do something you can. If you aren't prepared to make
the effort, please stop complaining.
April 3, 2012
Hybrid Conversion Project for Waterborne Researchers
This looks like a great re-use of a former Coast Guard vessel, although the conversion
budget ($22,000,000) may be beyond the average DIY EV enthusiast. The University of Victoria (British
Columbia) bought the vessel for $1, and is now tendering the modifications to turn it into
a research ship.
The ship is being extended and the power plant is being replaced with an electric
drive system, supported by batteries, diesel generators and a hydrogen fuel cell. There are
still some details to be worked out on the hydrogen fuel cell system, as Transport Canada
will not permit the hydrogen to be stored below deck. The 22 kWh battery can also be
recharged from shore power.
[Link has bit-rotted: http://www.timescolonist.com/cars/Vessel+finds+life+UVic+research/6320912/story.html]
Times Colonist Story
I have only ever seen one update to this story (2012-07-11),
A HREF="https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2012+green-research-ship-project-delayed+ring">
hydrogen delusions claimed another victim
.
Revenge of the Electric Car Screening in Wakefield
This evening I had the pleasure of seeing this movie for the first time, and getting a
first-hand look at the new Community Centre in Wakefield, and making some new acquaintances.
After the movie, the hosts set up a small panel to answer questions, and it was great to
meet and join Eric Leclair and Bob Milling in the 'hot seats'.
Eric put the suggestion for improved EV charging infrastructure in the recent NCC /
Ottawa / Gatineau, [site no longer exists: http://choosingourfuture.ca/get_involved/haveasay_results_en.html]
hoosing our Future 'Have a Say' initiative, and is clearly an advocate for clean
transportation and a more sustainable way of life.
Bob Milling is a co-owner of the
Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa, which includes the Eco-Lodge addition, a LEED-certified
building with a J1772 charging station for electric vehicles (free for guests). During the
post-film session, we learned that Bob worked in the wind power industry in the 80s and 90s.
The audience included one Nissan Leaf owner who drove his EV from Ottawa to the event.
A lovely and stimulating event, and a refreshing air of optimism. Makes me proud that my
solar electric boat is usually docked in the same municipality.
March 15, 2012
When Can an E-bike be Gas-Powered?
Apparently when it is ridden in
British Columbia. If 'authorities' in B.C. can't figure out that a gasoline engine
is not within the definition of a power-assisted bicycle (electric), then why are they
surprised that consumers are bewildered by the rules and terminology?!
From the
British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act, Section 1 (Definitions):
'"motor assisted cycle" means a device
(a) to which pedals or hand cranks are attached that will allow for the cycle to be propelled by human power,
(b) on which a person may ride,
(c) to which is attached a motor of a prescribed type that has an output not exceeding the prescribed output, and
(d) that meets the other criteria prescribed under section 182.1 (3);'
So you might think that
section 182.1 would clear this up - let's have a look.
'Motor assisted cycles
182.1 (1) A person who is under the age of 16 years commits an offence if that person
operates a motor assisted cycle on a highway.
(2) A parent or guardian of a person under the age of 16 years commits an offence if the
parent or guardian authorizes or knowingly permits the person to operate a motor
assisted cycle on a highway.
(3) The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia may make regulations respecting
motor assisted cycles including, without limitation, regulations prescribing
(a) the criteria that must be met by a device in order for it to qualify as a motor
assisted cycle for the purposes of this Act,
(b) the requirements that must be met in relation to operators of, and equipment
attached to, motor assisted cycles, and
(c) restrictions on what may be attached to or carried on a motor assisted cycle.'
Clear as mud. So far, it's a bicycle, with a motor of a prescribed type attached, where
that motor does not exceed the prescribed output. Prescribed? Prescribed where?
Not in the Act. No, for that sort of information, we have to resort to the ICBC regulations.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia Deposited June 21, 2002 Motor Vehicle Act
Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation says:
'Motor
1 (1) A motor assisted cycle must have no more than one motor for propulsion.
(2) The motor of a motor assisted cycle must
(a) be an electric motor,
(b) have a continuous power output rating of not more than 500 watts, and
(c) not be capable of propelling the motor assisted cycle at a speed greater than 32 km/hr on level ground.
So, now we know it has to be an electric motor (not a gasoline-powered engine), only
one motor, it cannot exceed an output rating of 500 watts (continuous), and cannot
propel the bike to speeds above 32 km/h.
So there you have it, for scofflaws, authorities and law enforcement officials in B.C.,
a gasser is not an e-bike (motor assisted cycle, or in federal jargon, power assisted bicycle).
Actually, it looks like ICBC knew this was an issue - look at their on-line
'brochure' about
Electric bikes. The first paragraph reads:
'An electric bike, or motor-assisted cycle, is a two- or three-wheeled cycle with a seat, pedals
and an electric motor (up to 500 watts). A motor assisted cycle (MAC) cannot be gas-powered.'
March 13, 2012
(I have been away from this venue for too long, putting most of my EV-related posts on
the EVCO e-mail distribution list for the past year. This has generated a few comments from
folks that used to read this blog, but were not interested in subscribing to the EVCO list.
So, I'm going to try an experiment to see if I can satisfy both groups by posting here and
sending a pointer to the current blog entry on the EVCO list. We'll see how that goes.)