October 21 - 22, 2010 Transporation Electrification conference features exhibit hall open to the public free of charge

Thursday October 21 and Friday October 22, 2010 the exhibit hall of the Electrification of Transportation Conference will be open to the public free of charge. 

The latest electric vehicles, chargers and other EV related items will be on display from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday and 9 am to 2 pm on Friday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

Registration for the conference, October 22, 2010 from 8:30 to 4:30 is only $25.

Here is the full press release:

Advancing Transportation Choices and Economic Development

On October 21-22, 2010, the Alamo Area Council of Governments Clean Cities Coalition, in partnership with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, will conduct the first ever Advancing the Choice event on electrified transportation. The title of this year’s event is: Electrification of Transportation: Advancing Transportation Choices and Economic Development.

This event is being held to continue the steps towards building a region-wide alternative fuel infrastructure. By developing alternative fuel infrastructure we will create greater Texas energy security, job creation, and improvements in air quality. To maintain the momentum from previous years, this conference will educate local governments, utilities, businesses, the media, and the general public on the benefits of electrified transportation. With fuel prices back on the rise it is important that we demonstrate the potential cost savings of these new technologies to vehicle fleets and general public in the Alamo Area.

The event will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the following topics:

    * Economic, environmental and energy security drivers shifting the market’s move to electrified transportation
    * Which fleets are best candidates for successful electrified transportation programs
    * Information on rebates, tax credits, and grant programs for electric vehicles
    * Expected growth in electrification of transportation and related economic development opportunities
    * Overview of electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment
    * Overview of electrified transit, bikes, personal vehicles, and fleet vehicles
    * Large exhibit hall to view the newest electric vehicles on the market!
    * Electrification of transportation update throughout the Texas cities

Record-high gas and diesel prices are compelling businesses and organizations to explore how to rein in fuel costs.  Besides saving green, many companies are also interested in driving green.  Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) fill the bill on both counts.  Utilizing electric transportation promotes energy security by reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.  Electric vehicles are domestically abundant and are becoming commercially available at a growing number of areas throughout the country.

Electrification of Transportation is a two-day, interactive event that provides a comprehensive overview on the economic, environmental and energy security rationale for using electrified transportation.  Available vehicles, funding opportunities, success stories and fuel station development will also be addressed. The event includes lunch and light refreshments, written materials and a large exhibit hall full of electric vehicles. The event is located in downtown San Antonio on the beautiful River Walk at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

What are the websites of the Progressive Automotive X Prize teams? you ask.

The field of teams eligible for the Progressive Automotive X price was reduced from 97 to 43 on October 19, 2009 when the list of "Qualified Teams" was announced.  Teams had to receive a passing grade based upon safety and emissions, manufacturability and cost, the features of the entrant's automobiles, and the business plan of the company behind each entry in order to become a "Qualified Team".

While Aptera, Tata Motors and Tesla are the most famous of the remaining teams,  a number of the other contenders stand out.

Of interest to Texans is EVX Laboratories which is located in Dallas.  Their all electric vehicles include a proprietary electric engine and battery design.  They are currently offering conversions of Mercedes Benz models.  They have posted a video of a Smart fortwo  conversion that apparently is a work in progress.

The Spira features a gasoline motorcycle engine and six inches of soft foam covering for safety.

The Gomecsys entry comes from the Netherlands and features a 2 cylinder gasoline engine 720 degree engine cycle for increased efficiency.

The Persu Mobility, Inc. entry is a fully enclosed tilting three wheeler with a gasoline / electric hybrid engine.

Edison2 out of Virginia is committed to an engine that burns natural gas that will be able to travel 1000 miles between fill ups.  I couldn't find a website, but here's a link to a quite cinematic video in which they explain their philosophy.

The West Philly Hybrid X (EVX) team is the only team from a public high school. Western Washington University  and the Cornell 100+ MPG Team  round out the academic competitors.

The TW4XP team from Germany is competing with a human/electric hybrid with a top speed of 80 mph.

Team HydroPhi concentrates not on the battery but on a device that continually produces energy that is then stored in a battery.  The device called a hydropack has uses well beyond automobiles.  Its inventor, Rudy Simon, has been developing the device since 2001.

Here are links to the remaining competitors except for X-Tracer Team of Uster Switzerland which I could not find: American HyPower, AMP, APET-X,  BDCOTSRUS, BITW Technologies, Boulder Electric Vehicle ,Combined Technology Solutions (CTS) ,  Delta Motorsport,   Eltra , EnerMotion , Enginer , Envera , FVT Racing , Global-E  , Illuminati Motor Works  , OptaMotive  , RaceAbout Association , SABA Motors  , SSI Racing , Tango (Commuter Cars) ,  Team EVI ,  Team FourSight ,  Team ULV-3 ,  TTW Italia, Urbee , VePerformance ,  , Wikispeed  , ZAP

Getting Ready for Electric Vehicles in San Antonio: A Stakeholders’ Workshop

Getting Ready for Electric Vehicles in San Antonio: A Stakeholders’ Workshop, October 16, 2009 from 9 am to 11:30 am in meeting room N at the Alamodome sponsored by the Clean Cities Program of the Alamo Area Council  of Governments and the City of San Antonio will address the types of electric vehicles that are coming to our area,  why they are important for San Antonio,  what kind of vehicle charging infrastructure is needed and why we need to work together to make electric vehicles work in the San Antonio area.

The workshop is meant for major employers, owners and managers of apartment building and parking facilities, homebuilders, real estate professionals, electric utility professionals, electricians,  retailers, service organizations, architects, engineers and planners, government officials and  interested citizens.

After an introduction attendees will break into small groups to identify key issues such as city codes and charging hardware, public outreach and education and businesses and fleet operations.

For questions and additional information, please call or email Bill Barker, AICP Senior Management Analyst, Sustainable Systems.

From the Rocky Mountain Institute here's the Project Get Ready Menu which includes the top 15 actions that a city must take to be ready, organized by the entity who would take the action, 10 second-tier actions that a city could take to be ready and a financial assessment of each action where possible.

Folding electric Yike Bike travels at 6 miles at 12 mph

Here is a neat idea. The electric Yike Bike folds into a two foot by two foot space. (It takes 20 seconds or more to fold it.) It travels up to 6 miles at a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour and will cost 3,900 euros ($5700 USD) when in goes on sale in mid 2010. It can carry up to 220 pounds.

It won't be sold initially in the USA.

Here's a link to the YIKE BIKE YouTube Channel.

Nissan press release describes the LEAF 100 mile range electric vehicle

Rather than summarize it or try to rewrite it, here's the source of all the stories you'll likely read on the LEAF.

We proudly present the Nissan Motor Company LEAF press release:

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

NISSAN LEAF
Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research. “Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.” Key characteristics of the LEAF include:

1. Zero-emission power train and platform
2. Affordable pricing
3. Distinctive design
4. Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
5. Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles. Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode) Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars. And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.


REAL-WORLD CAR
The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout. ”Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect. Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special.” But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy. Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day. The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations. Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries. “The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose. For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example. While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide. In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas: 1. Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment, 2. Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and 3. Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan’s EV’s will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

ABOUT NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a global automotive company with vehicle sales of 3.411 million in 2008. Nissan is present in all major auto markets worldwide, selling a comprehensive range of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and light commerical vehicles.

NISSAN BLUE CITIZENSHIP
Nissan is committed to making a better world through its commitment to corporate social responsibility. This includes programs that focus on technological innovations that focus on people and care for the planet. Our vision for zero-emission mobility is an outgrowth of our CSR approach, which we call Blue Citizenship. Together, we are working with our Alliance partner, Renault, to make a better world through zero-emission mobility. For more information, please visit the Nissan Zero-Emission website: http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com
###

San Antonio's First Public Electric Car Recharging Station

As we unwind from gas-powered cars, what's going to be the future fuel source and what are the next generation cars gointg to be powered by? Ever wonder whether gasoline stations had been difficult to find for the first buyers of automobiles 100+ years ago? What came first, the chicken or the egg?

While pondering this, you might want to drop by Travis Park Methodist Church this coming Tuesday, June 30, 9:30am, 230 E. Travis Street. They are opening the first electric recharging station for electric cars. The city wasn't first, the county wasn't first, the feds or the state weren't first. The Travis Park United Methodist Church was first. Not only that, you can get in your electric car, come down to the church parking lot and they'll charge you up for FREE! Why? So the church can do its part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Don't have an electric car yet? There will be some for you to look at while they get re-charged. And if you are looking for other places to get a charge once you get an electric car of your own, go to www.txunplugged.com.

Travis Park Methodist plans installation of San Antonio's first free electric vehicle charging station

Travis Park United Methodist Church at Travis and Navarro downtown has installed a free electric vehicle charging station. It is said to be the first one available to the general public in the downtown area of San Antonio. This project is part of the church's expanded interest in long term environmental stewardship.

Thanks to the San Antonio Clean Tech Forum for passing this information along.

"Taken for a Ride" investigative video examining the destruction of mass transit by GM among others

Taken for a Ride is a documentary using historical footage and investigative research funded by the Independent Television Service that looks at GM and its creation National City Lines and the destruction of the electric rail lines within major cities in the USA.

The entire documentary can be viewed below, at the newday.com website or on Google Video.

Thanks from Gary from the San Antonio Environmental Meetup for pointing out this video.

Rare Chinese Electric Car, the FLYBO in San Antonio

If you think you see a red smart car around town don't be so sure. It might be the all electric Flybo. This one was parked in the SA Public Library garage on Tuesday night.

The Flybo comes from China. It is offered for sale in the USA at the New Hampshire All Natural Yahoo Store. But an article from 2007 on Carscoop indicates that it is exclusively sold by Great Lakes Auto Sales of Saginaw, Michigan. One page indicates it has a top speed of 25 mph, another says it is 50! Also the front end design varies in the pictures I found.

Wuzheng North America, who is importing Chinese made trucks, seems to be connected to this car as does Shandong Pioneer Motorcycle Co Ltd. But even though I don't have all the facts I wanted to get this picture up anyhow. Perhaps some reader can get the facts to us.

UPDATE: April 27. This post continues to get traffic (thanks AC-EAA). So here are two more photos. They are both on Flickr and published under the Creative Commons.

World's Fastest Electric Drag Racer: The White Zombie

The White Zombie with 300 horsepower and lots of torque made the quarter mile at just under 12 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph.

Alamo City Electric Auto Association promotes electric vehicles as viable (and fun) transportation

The Alamo City Electric Auto Association is a group of enthusiasts among whom you will find people who enjoy building, driving and promoting electric vehicles.

Their next meeting is Sunday March 29 at Double Daves on North New Braunfels from 5 to 7 pm.

They are a chapter of the Electric Auto Association. One goal of the chapter is to raise awareness of electric vehicles by making public appearances around the area. Their member page will give you an idea of the vehicles members drive.

You will be able to see some of their vehicles at Earth Day at Woodlawn Lake, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and naturally, SolarFest San Antonio. See their Upcoming Events page for more dates and venues and specific times.

The Drive Electric San Antonio blog on the Express-News site is written by members Craig Egan and Gary Krysztopik.