Investment in Electric Vehicle Technology Is the Fastest and Most Sustainable Road to Lower Gas Prices

MOORESVILLE, NC--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) - Li-ion Motors (OTCBB: LMCO) (FRANKFURT: LL9L) -- According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States and Canada use 2/3 of oil consumption for transportation, far more than for heat and power.?Gas consumption accounts for almost 45 percent of all oil use.

More than crude oil barrel price, demand is what drives high gas prices at the pump. So the best way to keep gas prices in check would be investment in proven alternative transportation technology such as Li-ion Motors' (OTCBB: LMCO) (FRANKFURT: LL9L) lithium-ion battery powered electric cars, small trucks and motorcycles.

"Investment in a company like Li-ion Motors and the increased use of electric vehicles by government, business and individuals will help control prices across the board," says Li-ion Motors CEO Stacey Fling. "By decreasing demand at the pump through putting more cars like our Wave II, Inizio and gas-to-electric conversions on the road, prices will drop and this will have a positive domino effect on every other business that is slave to oil for production or shipping.

"That's real economic stimulus."

Increase in demand is impacted by many factors, most recently by increases in car ownership and production needs in China, India and other emerging markets. Japan, which is already a major consumer of oil, will only see that grow drastically, primarily for power generation, as their nuclear system was compromised by the recent natural disasters.

The Los Angeles Times reported that, "Many analysts are predicting a sharp rise in energy prices, particularly on the West Coast, as refiners scramble to replace more than 1 million barrels a day in refined fuels production lost because of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

"West Coast refineries are the most likely supply source for the Japanese, experts say, which could reduce the amount of gasoline and diesel fuel available for U.S. drivers and businesses, possibly boosting prices that were already rising in response to higher oil costs."

"It's the butterfly effect," says Fling, "and some butterflies are bigger than others."

Gasoline accounts for about 2/3 of the total oil used for transportation in the United States with the rest comprised of diesel fuel which is used primarily for trucks, buses, railroads, and a few passenger auto engines, jet and other aviation fuel, and residual fuel oil, which is used for tankers and other large ships.

"The math is simple and sound," says Fling. "By actively engaging in a proven oil-free alternative, we can keep America on the road and decrease domestic demand for oil at the same time with our proven electric vehicles. Our Wave II won the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize averaging 187 miles per gallon equivalent. The cost for that is about $3. Even the best hybrids out there can barely do 25% of that."

Not only would this help control demand and provide lower costs for planes, trains and ships as well as all the gas-powered vehicles still out there but it would also help keep costs down on oil used for other products.

Expanded drilling is just a short-term Band-Aid still dependent on oil and subject to the whims of the marketplace and not a long-term solution such as electric drive transportation.

"The frantic calls for the government to open up offshore drilling in order to bring down oil costs are more grandstanding than helpful," says Fling, "especially when real solutions like investment in proven electric vehicle technology can have immediate effect."

About Li-ion Motors Corp.: ?(OTCBB: LMCO) (FRANKFURT: LL9L), headquartered in Mooresville, NC with corporate offices in Las Vegas, NV, is a leading developer and manufacturer of electric powered automobiles including the WAVE II and the Inizio.

Previously known as Hybrid Technologies, the company has more than ten years' experience and expertise in the conversion of internal combustion cars to all electric for both individual and corporate customers as well as government agencies such as NASA.

The company won the Progressive Automotive X Prize in 2010 for its WAVE II, which came with a $2.5 million (USD) award. During the X Prize competition, the WAVE II whose electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries governed by a proprietary battery management system (BMS) was certified by the Argonne National Laboratory at 202.5 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).

The Inizio is the world's first 100% electric supercar, capable of 170 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in up to 3.4 seconds. Both vehicles are moving into production for consumer sales in 2011.

Along with the production of original vehicles, the company licenses its proprietary BMS and technology to automobile manufacturers seeking to advance their electric vehicle offerings.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT:
This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ.

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Google Headquarters Tests Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging

 

As if you needed another reason to check out Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, electric vehicle technology startup Evatran announced this week that it has installed a Plugless Power charging station at Google HQ. This is the first public installation of Evatran's wireless EV charger, which uses something called "proximity charging" to juice up Googlers' Nissan Leafs and Tesla Roadsters.

The charging station is made up of a parking block, a control tower that keeps track of whether a car is charging, and an adapter mounted to the vehicle. When an adapter-equipped car pulls up to the parking space, the block adjusts to align with the adapter and starts charging. There is no flow of electricity between the adapter and the parking block--instead, the charger uses electrical induction, which generates power from the connection of two magnetic coils. In this case, the coils are housed inside the parking block and the adapter.

There is a disadvantage compared to the plug and cord variety of EV charger: the Plugless Power stations lose a little bit of energy in the transfer from coil to coil. Evatran plays off the problem on its website, explaining that "although Plugless Power does anticipate a small efficiency loss (less than 10%), this does not translate to an increased charging time. The capacity of an EV’s battery to accept charge is not affected by the efficiency loss. The battery will continue to accept the same amount of power at one time, but the charger will draw additional watts from the electrical outlet to compensate for the small efficiency loss."

Evatran doesn't plan on making its vehicle adapter available to everyone on Google's campus. The company will, however, test the technology using a retrofitted short-range EV owned by Google (there are many short-range EVs puttering around the campus). Evatran is working with automakers to integrate its adapter technology into mass-market EVs by next year. No word yet on a sale price for the parking block.

Follow Fast Company on Twitter. Ariel Schwartz can be reached by email.

Read More: Most Innovative Companies: Google

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Electric vehicle package working through assembly

The future of the roughly three-year-old Maryland startup is tied directly to an anticipated boom in the electric vehicle market. And to some degree, the company's success relies on what happens about five miles away from its headquarters -- at the State House.

"For Maryland to look at this issue and set the right incentives and policies is critical," said Mahi Reddy, SemaConnect's CEO.

As the first generation of electric cars produced by major automakers trickles into the market, Maryland lawmakers are considering a trio of proposals intended to spur sales and lay the foundation for the high-tech autos.

Electric vehicles aren't expected to zoom around in mass for years, analysts say. But the planning starts now because Maryland and the District are projected to be among the top areas for electric vehicle adoption.

"I think a lot of people in this area are progressive minded and willing to take the steps to move forward with this type of technology," said Ivan Haggins, one of the first Marylanders to invest in an electric vehicle made by General Motors.

Haggins slapped his name on a waiting list in July for GM's plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. He drove the car off a dealer lot in Silver Spring on Christmas Eve, making him one of the so-called early adopters of the technology.

"The thought of an electric car is not just that I want to have the first one," he said. "But it's one of those things we need to move into the future on, and I wanted to make sure I'm a part of that."

The electric vehicle package is part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's legislative agenda, which is ripe with renewable energy proposals. So far, the electric vehicle bills are part of a small cluster of the governor's legislative priorities that have advanced to the full House or Senate.

The Senate on Friday approved a measure to create a policy and planning body to guide statewide decisions on infrastructure for electric vehicles. The House did the same with a similar bill last week.

Last month, the Senate voted unanimously to pass a proposal that requires the Public Service Commission to start a pilot program to create incentives for consumers to plug in their vehicles at night when the energy grid has excess capacity.

The third, and possibly most critical component, is a tax credit of up to 20 percent for electric charging stations. Supporters have called this part of the legislative package, which would award up to $1.5 million in tax credits over three years, "the backbone of a robust electric vehicle infrastructure."

The tax credit bills are still in House and Senate committees.

Government is playing a growing role in helping nudge forward the electric vehicle market.

President Obama pumped billions in stimulus dollars into rebate programs for first-generation electric vehicle owners. That includes a tax credit up to $7,500 toward the purchase of an electric auto.

O'Malley and the General Assembly sweetened the pot last year when Maryland approved a $2,000 tax credit of its own and granted drivers of the futuristic autos use of HOV commuter lanes regardless of their passenger count.

"This is going to be the wave of the future," said Sen. Rob Garagiola, a Montgomery Democrat and a co-sponsor of the electric-vehicle package. "We need to be agile and move quickly to position ourselves so we can develop the roadmap for the future of electric vehicles."

GM lobbyists, along with representatives from other big companies with a stake in the future of electric autos, have been making the rounds for weeks at committee hearings, pressing lawmakers to pass the package.

In those hearings, GM hasn't been shy to remind lawmakers about the company's recent commitments to the state. Those include a nearly $250 million investment to build electric motors at a manufacturing plant in Baltimore County, and the decision to tap Maryland along with the District as early roll-out markets for the Volt.

The Volt, which can run for about 40 miles on a full charge before a gas engine kicks in, is the first of the autos produced by major manufacturers to arrive in Maryland. Nissan's all-electric Leaf will hit dealer showrooms across the state this spring. Ford's initial electric offering is slated to become available in the District later this year.

About 2,000 electric autos will commute on Maryland roads by the end of 2012, according to a report from the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Center for Automotive Research. By 2015, more than 11,600 electric vehicles are projected to be registered in the state, ranking Maryland among the top 15 states for electric auto registrations.

That same year, the number of plug-ins and electric autos on roads across the country is expected to reach more than 469,000, according to the report.

Ultimately, consumer demand will be influenced by incentives offered by state and local governments, ranging from grants, rebates, tax credits and fee exemptions.

In December, Haggins, the Volt driver, became one of 13 Marylanders to receive the $2,000 state tax credit approved by the legislature last year. He missed out on the $7,500 federal rebate because he's leasing his Volt.

"I think our government is doing a fair amount but could do more," said Haggins, who would like to see more electric vehicle incentives for businesses.

Haggins also received a federal rebate for the 240-volt charging station attached to a wall in his garage. The device cuts the time it takes to charge his Volt from eight hours to four.

"I would have thought a little longer about the charging station in the garage without the tax incentive," said Haggins, who is slated to receive up to a 30 percent tax credit on the $500 he spent on the charging station.

The cars, rebates and the legislative package debated at the State House are all signs of the first wave of vehicle electrification in Maryland. Lawmakers are hopeful electric vehicles will play a part in reinvigorating the state's post-recession economy.

O'Malley's administration estimates that GM's decision to build electric motors in Maryland will attract 800 direct and spinoff jobs by 2018.

At SemaConnect, the Annapolis-based startup that specializes in building commercial charging stations, the company is readying for expansion as production of electric vehicles ramps up.

The six-man firm is busy building 55 charging stations as part of a roughly $367,000 state contract, the company's first major deal. The charging stations are expected to be up and running by this summer at 15 locations across Maryland, including select metro stations, municipal buildings and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

By the end of June, SemaConnect's Reddy estimates about100 public charging stations will populate the state. In the future, they'll be commonly installed in apartment buildings, parking lots, hotels and shopping centers, he said.

Each charging station, Reddy said, will have a ripple effect for employment -- from the engineers and programmers that design the stations to laborers who dig trenches for installation.

"Across the spectrum, from one end of the blue collar to the other end of the white collar, you got job creation," Reddy said.

Copyright c 2011 University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism

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Electric Vehicle Package Working Through Md. General Assembly

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By David Saleh Rauf
Capital News Service

ANNAPOLIS - In a small office tucked away in the Chesapeake Innovation Center, SemaConnect engineers hand assemble prototypes of electric vehicle charging stations.

The future of the roughly three-year-old Maryland startup is tied directly to an anticipated boom in the electric vehicle market. And to some degree, the company's success relies on what happens about five miles away from its headquarters -- at the State House.

"For Maryland to look at this issue and set the right incentives and policies is critical," said Mahi Reddy, SemaConnect's CEO.

As the first generation of electric cars produced by major automakers trickles into the market, Maryland lawmakers are considering a trio of proposals intended to spur sales and lay the foundation for the high-tech autos.

Electric vehicles aren't expected to zoom around in mass for years, analysts say. But the planning starts now because Maryland and the District are projected to be among the top areas for electric vehicle adoption.

"I think a lot of people in this area are progressive minded and willing to take the steps to move forward with this type of technology," said Ivan Haggins, one of the first Marylanders to invest in an electric vehicle made by General Motors.

Haggins slapped his name on a waiting list in July for GM's plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. He drove the car off a dealer lot in Silver Spring on Christmas Eve, making him one of the so-called early adopters of the technology.

"The thought of an electric car is not just that I want to have the first one," he said. "But it's one of those things we need to move into the future on, and I wanted to make sure I'm a part of that."

The electric vehicle package is part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's legislative agenda, which is ripe with renewable energy proposals. So far, the electric vehicle bills are part of a small cluster of the governor's legislative priorities that have advanced to the full House or Senate.

The Senate on Friday approved a measure to create a policy and planning body to guide statewide decisions on infrastructure for electric vehicles. The House did the same with a similar bill last week.

Last month, the Senate voted unanimously to pass a proposal that requires the Public Service Commission to start a pilot program to create incentives for consumers to plug in their vehicles at night when the energy grid has excess capacity.

The third, and possibly most critical component, is a tax credit of up to 20 percent for electric charging stations. Supporters have called this part of the legislative package, which would award up to $1.5 million in tax credits over three years, "the backbone of a robust electric vehicle infrastructure."

The tax credit bills are still in House and Senate committees.

Government is playing a growing role in helping nudge forward the electric vehicle market.

President Obama pumped billions in stimulus dollars into rebate programs for first-generation electric vehicle owners. That includes a tax credit up to $7,500 toward the purchase of an electric auto.

O'Malley and the General Assembly sweetened the pot last year when Maryland approved a $2,000 tax credit of its own and granted drivers of the futuristic autos use of HOV commuter lanes regardless of their passenger count.

"This is going to be the wave of the future," said Sen. Rob Garagiola, a Montgomery Democrat and a co-sponsor of the electric-vehicle package. "We need to be agile and move quickly to position ourselves so we can develop the roadmap for the future of electric vehicles."

GM lobbyists, along with representatives from other big companies with a stake in the future of electric autos, have been making the rounds for weeks at committee hearings, pressing lawmakers to pass the package.

In those hearings, GM hasn't been shy to remind lawmakers about the company's recent commitments to the state. Those include a nearly $250 million investment to build electric motors at a manufacturing plant in Baltimore County, and the decision to tap Maryland along with the District as early roll-out markets for the Volt.

The Volt, which can run for about 40 miles on a full charge before a gas engine kicks in, is the first of the autos produced by major manufacturers to arrive in Maryland. Nissan's all-electric Leaf will hit dealer showrooms across the state this spring. Ford's initial electric offering is slated to become available in the District later this year.

About 2,000 electric autos will commute on Maryland roads by the end of 2012, according to a report from the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Center for Automotive Research. By 2015, more than 11,600 electric vehicles are projected to be registered in the state, ranking Maryland among the top 15 states for electric auto registrations.

That same year, the number of plug-ins and electric autos on roads across the country is expected to reach more than 469,000, according to the report.

Ultimately, consumer demand will be influenced by incentives offered by state and local governments, ranging from grants, rebates, tax credits and fee exemptions.

In December, Haggins, the Volt driver, became one of 13 Marylanders to receive the $2,000 state tax credit approved by the legislature last year. He missed out on the $7,500 federal rebate because he's leasing his Volt.

"I think our government is doing a fair amount but could do more," said Haggins, who would like to see more electric vehicle incentives for businesses.

Haggins also received a federal rebate for the 240-volt charging station attached to a wall in his garage. The device cuts the time it takes to charge his Volt from eight hours to four.

"I would have thought a little longer about the charging station in the garage without the tax incentive," said Haggins, who is slated to receive up to a 30 percent tax credit on the $500 he spent on the charging station.

The cars, rebates and the legislative package debated at the State House are all signs of the first wave of vehicle electrification in Maryland. Lawmakers are hopeful electric vehicles will play a part in reinvigorating the state's post-recession economy.
O'Malley's administration estimates that GM's decision to build electric motors in Maryland will attract 800 direct and spinoff jobs by 2018.

At SemaConnect, the Annapolis-based startup that specializes in building commercial charging stations, the company is readying for expansion as production of electric vehicles ramps up.

The six-man firm is busy building 55 charging stations as part of a roughly $367,000 state contract, the company's first major deal. The charging stations are expected to be up and running by this summer at 15 locations across Maryland, including select metro stations, municipal buildings and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

By the end of June, SemaConnect's Reddy estimates about100 public charging stations will populate the state. In the future, they'll be commonly installed in apartment buildings, parking lots, hotels and shopping centers, he said.

Each charging station, Reddy said, will have a ripple effect for employment -- from the engineers and programmers that design the stations to laborers who dig trenches for installation.

"Across the spectrum, from one end of the blue collar to the other end of the white collar, you got job creation," Reddy said.

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Research and Markets: Electric Vehicle Traction Batteries 2011-2021

March 16, 2011 06:12 PM?Eastern Daylight Time?

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/642519/electric_vehicle_t) has announced the addition of the "Electric Vehicle Traction Batteries 2011-2021" report to their offering.

This comprehensive report has detailed assessments and forecasts for all the sectors using and likely to use traction batteries. There are chapters on heavy industrial, light industrial/commercial, mobility for the disabled, two wheel and allied, pure electric cars, hybrid cars, golf cars, military, marine and other. The profusion of pictures, diagrams and tables pulls the subject together to give an independent view of the future ten years. Unit sales, unit prices and total market value are forecast for each sector for 2011-2021. The replacement market is quantified and ten year technology trends by sector are in there too, with a view on winning and losing technologies and companies. This is the essential reference book for those who are anywhere in the hybrid and pure electric vehicle value chain. Those making materials, cells, battery sets or vehicles, researchers, legislators and market analysts will find it invaluable.

The whole picture With vehicle traction batteries it is important to look at the whole picture and this report does it for the first time. The rapidly growing market for traction batteries will exceed $55 billion in only ten years. However that spans battery sets up to $500,000 each with great sophistication needed for military, marine and solar aircraft use. Huge numbers of low cost batteries are being used for e-bikes but even here several new technologies are appearing. The largest replacement market is for e-bikes today and the value market for replacement batteries will not be dominated by cars when these batteries last the life of the car - something likely to happen within ten years. The trends are therefore complex and that is why IDTechEx has analysed them with great care. Vehicle manufacturers are often employing new battery technology first in their forklifts or e-bikes, not cars, yet there is huge progress with car batteries as well - indeed oversupply is probable in this sector at some stage. The mix is changing too. The second largest volume of electric vehicles being made in 2010 is mobility aids for the disabled but in ten years time it will be hybrid cars. The market for car traction batteries will be larger than the others but there will only be room for six or so winners in car batteries and other suppliers and users will need to dominate their own niches to achieve enduring growth and profits. Strategy must be decided now. In this report, researched in 2010 and frequently updated, we analyse the successes, the needs, the statistics and the market potential for traction batteries for all the major applications. This has never been done before. It is important to look at the whole picture because traction battery manufacturers typically sell horizontally across many applications and electric vehicle manufacturers increasingly make versions for many applications - heavy industrial, on road, leisure and so on. Indeed, the smarter putative suppliers will choose the sectors that best leverage their strengths rather than join the herd and be obliterated by corporations of up to $100 billion in size enjoying prodigious government support.

Stay Updated with Free IDTechEx Research

In addition, all report purchases include one hour free consulting with a report author from IDTechEx, by email or telephone. This needs to be used within three months of purchasing the report.

Key Topics Covered:

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

2. INTRODUCTION

3. PROGRESS WITH NEW GENERATION LITHIUM TRACTION BATTERIES

4. HEAVY INDUSTRIAL EVS

5. LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL EVS

6. MOBILITY FOR THE DISABLED

7. TWO WHEELED EVS AND ALLIED VEHICLES

8. GOLF EVS

9. CARS

10. PURE ELECTRIC CARS

11. HYBRID CARS

12. MILITARY

13. MARINE

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/642519/electric_vehicle_t

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Permalink: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110316007082/en/Research-Markets-Electric-Vehicle-Traction-Batteries-2011-2021

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Middle East could become leader in adopting electric vehicle technology

  Josh Anderson, Executive Vice President of Engineering, DesignLine, gave conference delegates an insight into the future of eco-friendly transportation on the opening day of the Commercial Vehicles Conference
Industry experts underline the future of public transportation at Commercial Vehicles Conference in Dubai

Dubai, UAE, 15 March 2011: The Middle East could become a leader in adopting electric vehicle technology for fleet and public transport use, an industry expert told the Commercial Vehicles Conference in Dubai.

Josh Anderson, Executive Vice President of Engineering for US manufacturers DesignLine Corporation, told delegates that electric buses combine environmental benefits with major savings on maintenance costs for fleet and passenger bus operators.

He said that, over the past four years, DesignLine buses have been in daily operation at Charlotte International Airport in the USA where there has been a reduction in maintenance costs of up to 93 per cent.

DesignLine and its UAE dealer, Liberty Automobiles, are setting up a $US30 million, 100,000 sq ft manufacturing?facility in Abu Dhabi later this year for the world's first zero emission electric passenger bus, and expect strong Middle East orders.

try{document.write(zawya_banner_zone('zone9337')); }catch(e){}"The Middle East region is very attractive because there is such an interest in green, sustainable solutions in every aspect of daily life, and it is a focus of so many government and private initiatives," said Anderson.

"We have found that the interest in adopting electric transportation is high, and Middle East clients are leading other countries in their interest to adopt Electric vehicles."

DesignLine say that their electric vehicle technology eliminates the need for oil, filters, belts, and hoses, saving 65% of scheduled service costs.

"When purchasing a traditional diesel bus, there is the lifetime cost of fueling, servicing, maintaining, and repairing to take into consideration," said Anderson.

"Rarely do buyers consider these costs when making the initial purchase. If total life-cycle costs are examined, electric and hybrid buses provide substantial savings to fleet owners."

Anderson was addressing delegates on the opening day of the Commercial Vehicles Conference, which is running alongside the Commercial Vehicles Middle East exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre until Wednesday.

Delegates were also offered an intriguing insight into plans to establish the Superbus, an electric powered cross-over between a bus and a limousine, as the choice of travel for business commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Dr. Ing. Antonia Terzi, Chief Vehicle Designer of the Superbus project, told the conference that the prototype Superbus will be brought to Dubai for demonstrations of its capability next month.

Travelling at speeds of 250kmh on a dedicated track, the Superbus will slash travelling time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 30 minutes, offering convenient and luxury travel for up to 23 passengers.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Tony Lewis / Gareth Wright / Ahmad Huzayen
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
Email: tony@totalcompr.ae / gareth@totalcompr.ae / ahmad@totalcompr.ae

c Press Release 2011

from Total Communications x DISCLAIMER

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Electric vehicle charging station grant funds available for Tacoma business owners

 Electric vehicle charging station grant funds available for Tacoma business owners

Mar 16 2011

In response to the growing electric vehicle market, Federal stimulus grant funds are available to local business owners to install public customer charging stations. The Puget Sound area is one of a handful of regions that can take advantage of this opportunity. Businesses have until September 2011 to pursue the available grant funds to help the Puget Sound area plug-in to a new era of transportation innovation and reduce the fossil fuel costs and emissions. The benefits to becoming a charging station host include free charging stations; up to $2,500 for installation (through EV Project only); free maintenance coverage through December 2012; ownership of charging station transfers to site host at the end of the project; and recoup electricity costs, or even generate revenue by passing on charging fees to your EV customers. Requirements of charging station hosts include allow rapid installation of the charger; allow the general public to use the charger; provide adequate public signage; keep the charger in good operating order; cannot sell or move the charger once it is installed; and allow anonymous data to be provided for analysis. If interested, business owners need to call for a free estimate. To schedule your free assessment and estimate, or for more information, contact: Jim Blaisdell with Chargepoint America Project, ChargeNorthwest at (253) 265-0919 or Dan O'Shea with the EV Project, Ecotality at (206) 920-1477.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For related Tacoma Daily Index coverage, read the following:

Electric vehicles will join City Hall's fleet (02/02/11) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1918586&more=0

City Council to vote on $2.6M electric fleet vehicle contract (01/21/11) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1912338&more=0

A 'green highway' through Tacoma? (12/04/10) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1710390&more=0

I-5 'electric highway' receives federal funding boost (06/29/10) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1797199&more=0

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Excitement Building Over All Electric Vehicle

Reported by: Jacob Long, WMBD/WYZZ-TVNORMAL - A new car has Central Illinois drivers in high gear.

Mitsubishi rolls out the all electric "i" this November, but pre-orders begin March 31.

If you want one, better get in line.

O'Brien Mitsubishi in Normal already has a long list of interested buyers.

Still, General Manager Ryan Gremore says the "i" won't be for everyone.

"The vehicle's really not made for long commuters.? It's really meant for short commuters like people who live in a 30 mile radius going to and from work," Gremore says.

Click here or here for more information.

The "i" has a price tag of $18,000 after federal and state tax credits for electric vehicles.

It runs solely on a battery, which can run for about 80 miles before needing charged again.

A recent study says drivers will spend less than $200 a year on electricity costs.? Compare that to the $2,000 to $3,000 people spend on gas every year.

Mitsubishi has pledged to provide 1,000 "i" vehicles to the area by 2014.? It's part of the EV-Town (electric vehicle town) initiative.

Both Bloomington and Normal are looking to install charging stations for electric vehicles.

They'll allow drivers to power up for 2 to 4 hours.

View the original article here

Petrol prices makes going electric more enticing

By Paul van der Werff

With petrol hitting record-equalling highs of $2.18 overnight, more drivers will be mulling over the merits of going electric – but fully electric cars remain a costly option.

The Blade Electron is the only fully electric vehicle available commercially in New Zealand; Llyn Richards bought his a year ago, but it wasn't cheap – about $67,000.

Blade Electric vehicles, which is based in Australia, manufacture the car.

The process involves retro fitting a brand new Hyundai Getz.

“We completely strip it, all the electronics are new, obviously the fuel and batteries, that’s all new, the motors the drive system so it’s a new car with a whole new drive system,” says Ross Blade.

The car is limited by the size of its lithium ion batteries and can run for 100km before it needs recharging from a normal household power point.

But Mr Richards says despite that limitation he is able to run the car at less than one cent a kilometre.

“My wife and I go past the petrol stations and go, ‘oh golly gosh, petrol’s gone up again’, as we go sailing past and it’s only cost us next to nothing.”

Another option that the large car companies feel will be more viable for the global market are the plug-in hybrids.

“What it allows you to do is run the car around town for a maximum of around 25km without using the fossil engine or without using any sort of fossil fuel,” says Roy Trimbel of Toyota NZ.

Cars like the Electron and the plug-in Prius give drivers the possibility of never having to purchase petrol again.

However, the mass production of cars like these are some years off.

Ross Blade says it will be five years before we see electric cars on the roads en masse while Toyota are remaining coy about the mass production of the plug-in Prius.

“These are test cars which we need to emphasis and they may not be introduced into the market place,” Mr Trimbel says.

They are even less confident about any future for fully electric cars.

“No motor company is in a position to sustainably or to actually build these vehicles at a cost that people can afford to buy them.”

But Llyn Richards is just glad that he could afford to buy an Electron and that he is doing his bit for the planet.

3 News

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PlugShare app lets you map EV charging stations

One of the biggest concerns of switching to an all-electric vehicle is worrying about what would happen if you ran out of juice.

Our roads and major highways are dotted with gas stations of course, but what's an electric vehicle owner to do with a green car running on empty?

A new app called PlugShare wants to address exactly that, assuaging the worries of would-be green drivers with a map chock full of charging locations.

PlugShare goes beyond aggregating public electric vehicle charging stations by encouraging users to submit their own personal plugs to the database, effectively weaving together a community of electric vehicle owners.

Of course, having a stranger pull up at your home to plug in isn't everyone's idea of a good time, but when it comes to sustainability, sharing is caring.

More from Tecca:

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Electric vehicle package working through assembly

The future of the roughly three-year-old Maryland startup is tied directly to an anticipated boom in the electric vehicle market. And to some degree, the company's success relies on what happens about five miles away from its headquarters -- at the State House.

"For Maryland to look at this issue and set the right incentives and policies is critical," said Mahi Reddy, SemaConnect's CEO.

As the first generation of electric cars produced by major automakers trickles into the market, Maryland lawmakers are considering a trio of proposals intended to spur sales and lay the foundation for the high-tech autos.

Electric vehicles aren't expected to zoom around in mass for years, analysts say. But the planning starts now because Maryland and the District are projected to be among the top areas for electric vehicle adoption.

"I think a lot of people in this area are progressive minded and willing to take the steps to move forward with this type of technology," said Ivan Haggins, one of the first Marylanders to invest in an electric vehicle made by General Motors.

Haggins slapped his name on a waiting list in July for GM's plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. He drove the car off a dealer lot in Silver Spring on Christmas Eve, making him one of the so-called early adopters of the technology.

"The thought of an electric car is not just that I want to have the first one," he said. "But it's one of those things we need to move into the future on, and I wanted to make sure I'm a part of that."

The electric vehicle package is part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's legislative agenda, which is ripe with renewable energy proposals. So far, the electric vehicle bills are part of a small cluster of the governor's legislative priorities that have advanced to the full House or Senate.

The Senate on Friday approved a measure to create a policy and planning body to guide statewide decisions on infrastructure for electric vehicles. The House did the same with a similar bill last week.

Last month, the Senate voted unanimously to pass a proposal that requires the Public Service Commission to start a pilot program to create incentives for consumers to plug in their vehicles at night when the energy grid has excess capacity.

The third, and possibly most critical component, is a tax credit of up to 20 percent for electric charging stations. Supporters have called this part of the legislative package, which would award up to $1.5 million in tax credits over three years, "the backbone of a robust electric vehicle infrastructure."

The tax credit bills are still in House and Senate committees.

Government is playing a growing role in helping nudge forward the electric vehicle market.

President Obama pumped billions in stimulus dollars into rebate programs for first-generation electric vehicle owners. That includes a tax credit up to $7,500 toward the purchase of an electric auto.

O'Malley and the General Assembly sweetened the pot last year when Maryland approved a $2,000 tax credit of its own and granted drivers of the futuristic autos use of HOV commuter lanes regardless of their passenger count.

"This is going to be the wave of the future," said Sen. Rob Garagiola, a Montgomery Democrat and a co-sponsor of the electric-vehicle package. "We need to be agile and move quickly to position ourselves so we can develop the roadmap for the future of electric vehicles."

GM lobbyists, along with representatives from other big companies with a stake in the future of electric autos, have been making the rounds for weeks at committee hearings, pressing lawmakers to pass the package.

In those hearings, GM hasn't been shy to remind lawmakers about the company's recent commitments to the state. Those include a nearly $250 million investment to build electric motors at a manufacturing plant in Baltimore County, and the decision to tap Maryland along with the District as early roll-out markets for the Volt.

The Volt, which can run for about 40 miles on a full charge before a gas engine kicks in, is the first of the autos produced by major manufacturers to arrive in Maryland. Nissan's all-electric Leaf will hit dealer showrooms across the state this spring. Ford's initial electric offering is slated to become available in the District later this year.

About 2,000 electric autos will commute on Maryland roads by the end of 2012, according to a report from the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Center for Automotive Research. By 2015, more than 11,600 electric vehicles are projected to be registered in the state, ranking Maryland among the top 15 states for electric auto registrations.

That same year, the number of plug-ins and electric autos on roads across the country is expected to reach more than 469,000, according to the report.

Ultimately, consumer demand will be influenced by incentives offered by state and local governments, ranging from grants, rebates, tax credits and fee exemptions.

In December, Haggins, the Volt driver, became one of 13 Marylanders to receive the $2,000 state tax credit approved by the legislature last year. He missed out on the $7,500 federal rebate because he's leasing his Volt.

"I think our government is doing a fair amount but could do more," said Haggins, who would like to see more electric vehicle incentives for businesses.

Haggins also received a federal rebate for the 240-volt charging station attached to a wall in his garage. The device cuts the time it takes to charge his Volt from eight hours to four.

"I would have thought a little longer about the charging station in the garage without the tax incentive," said Haggins, who is slated to receive up to a 30 percent tax credit on the $500 he spent on the charging station.

The cars, rebates and the legislative package debated at the State House are all signs of the first wave of vehicle electrification in Maryland. Lawmakers are hopeful electric vehicles will play a part in reinvigorating the state's post-recession economy.

O'Malley's administration estimates that GM's decision to build electric motors in Maryland will attract 800 direct and spinoff jobs by 2018.

At SemaConnect, the Annapolis-based startup that specializes in building commercial charging stations, the company is readying for expansion as production of electric vehicles ramps up.

The six-man firm is busy building 55 charging stations as part of a roughly $367,000 state contract, the company's first major deal. The charging stations are expected to be up and running by this summer at 15 locations across Maryland, including select metro stations, municipal buildings and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

By the end of June, SemaConnect's Reddy estimates about100 public charging stations will populate the state. In the future, they'll be commonly installed in apartment buildings, parking lots, hotels and shopping centers, he said.

Each charging station, Reddy said, will have a ripple effect for employment -- from the engineers and programmers that design the stations to laborers who dig trenches for installation.

"Across the spectrum, from one end of the blue collar to the other end of the white collar, you got job creation," Reddy said.

Copyright c 2011 University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism

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State of Hawaii Selects AeroVironment to Deploy up to 320 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Docks in Support of Clean ...

Think About! - Electric Vehicles - Solution or Diversion?

HONOLULU March 18, 2011; Lt. Governor Brian Schatz today announced that AeroVironment has been selected to help lead the way to a cleaner transportation future through an $820,000 contract from the Hawaii EV Ready Grants Program. The contract will fund the deployment of up to 320 AeroVironment 240-volt electric vehicle (EV) charging docks throughout the islands. Once deployment is completed, Hawaii will have one of the nation's first statewide public charging networks supporting electric vehicle drivers.

AeroVironment (AV), the official home charging-dock provider for the Nissan LEAFR and co-developer of the first modern-day electric vehicle, the GM Impact, will partner with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) to design and build public and semi-private charging stations at convenient locations for electric vehicle owners, including high-rise buildings, resorts and rental car facilities.

AeroVironment's charging docks, including the two-port or four-port EVSE-RS+ and EVSE-CS (commercial) dock, will be strategically located throughout Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai to offer drivers a practical, safe and reliable EV charging experience. AeroVironment has installed more than 1,000 charging docks in more than 300 communities across 18 states since November 2010.

The State of Hawaii is offering a rebate of up to $500 for installing charging docks through its Hawaii EV Ready Rebate Program. Customers who purchase an EV are also eligible for a state rebate of up to $4,500. In combination with the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program and other development efforts, the rebates aim to establish the state as a leader in the clean transportation movement.

"We look forward to working with AeroVironment to help reduce the use of oil for transportation," said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president. "Wide use of electric vehicles will not only help reduce our fossil fuel dependence, it will make it easier to increase our use of renewable energy sources such as wind power and others, all contributing to our energy, economic and environmental security."

Alm added, "AeroVironment shares this vision and is an outstanding example of a supplier with a comprehensive solution for the EV market, a history in Hawaii, experience working with leading auto manufacturers and consistent high quality customer support."

The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), University of Hawaii at Manoa will work with AeroVironment and Hawaiian Electric to collect data from chargers to analyze the impact of EVs and associated infrastructure on the power distribution grid.

"AeroVironment's team focuses on the entire user experience from the start by providing the right tools and a full range of practical, groundbreaking solutions," said Richard Rocheleau, director of the HNEI. "As a result, we'll have the unique ability to collect and analyze usage patterns that will help us project the increased demand on Hawaii's utilities as EV adoption accelerates."

AeroVironment has been working on clean transportation programs in Hawaii for more than a decade, beginning with deployment of fast charging stations for passenger EVs in the early 2000s. AeroVironment also established world altitude records with its solar-electric, unmanned aircraft systems at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands on Kauai.

"AeroVironment and the state of Hawaii are pioneers in the EV movement and have a long partnership focused on introducing clean transportation solutions," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. "Together, we're deploying practical solutions for a game-changing electric transportation ecosystem that will dramatically alter the vehicle refueling paradigm for drivers in Hawaii, the United States and the world."

About AeroVironment, Inc.

AV is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces and supports an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AV's comprehensive EV charging solutions include EV home charging, public charging, fast charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers, utilities, government agencies and businesses. AV's industrial fast charging systems support thousands of electric materials handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500 enterprises. AV's power cycling and test systems provide EV developers and EV battery manufacturers with market-leading simulation and cycling capabilities. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's battery-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and communication. More information is available at www.avinc.com.

View the original article here

Electric Vehicle Package Working Through Md. General Assembly

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By David Saleh Rauf
Capital News Service

ANNAPOLIS - In a small office tucked away in the Chesapeake Innovation Center, SemaConnect engineers hand assemble prototypes of electric vehicle charging stations.

The future of the roughly three-year-old Maryland startup is tied directly to an anticipated boom in the electric vehicle market. And to some degree, the company's success relies on what happens about five miles away from its headquarters -- at the State House.

"For Maryland to look at this issue and set the right incentives and policies is critical," said Mahi Reddy, SemaConnect's CEO.

As the first generation of electric cars produced by major automakers trickles into the market, Maryland lawmakers are considering a trio of proposals intended to spur sales and lay the foundation for the high-tech autos.

Electric vehicles aren't expected to zoom around in mass for years, analysts say. But the planning starts now because Maryland and the District are projected to be among the top areas for electric vehicle adoption.

"I think a lot of people in this area are progressive minded and willing to take the steps to move forward with this type of technology," said Ivan Haggins, one of the first Marylanders to invest in an electric vehicle made by General Motors.

Haggins slapped his name on a waiting list in July for GM's plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. He drove the car off a dealer lot in Silver Spring on Christmas Eve, making him one of the so-called early adopters of the technology.

"The thought of an electric car is not just that I want to have the first one," he said. "But it's one of those things we need to move into the future on, and I wanted to make sure I'm a part of that."

The electric vehicle package is part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's legislative agenda, which is ripe with renewable energy proposals. So far, the electric vehicle bills are part of a small cluster of the governor's legislative priorities that have advanced to the full House or Senate.

The Senate on Friday approved a measure to create a policy and planning body to guide statewide decisions on infrastructure for electric vehicles. The House did the same with a similar bill last week.

Last month, the Senate voted unanimously to pass a proposal that requires the Public Service Commission to start a pilot program to create incentives for consumers to plug in their vehicles at night when the energy grid has excess capacity.

The third, and possibly most critical component, is a tax credit of up to 20 percent for electric charging stations. Supporters have called this part of the legislative package, which would award up to $1.5 million in tax credits over three years, "the backbone of a robust electric vehicle infrastructure."

The tax credit bills are still in House and Senate committees.

Government is playing a growing role in helping nudge forward the electric vehicle market.

President Obama pumped billions in stimulus dollars into rebate programs for first-generation electric vehicle owners. That includes a tax credit up to $7,500 toward the purchase of an electric auto.

O'Malley and the General Assembly sweetened the pot last year when Maryland approved a $2,000 tax credit of its own and granted drivers of the futuristic autos use of HOV commuter lanes regardless of their passenger count.

"This is going to be the wave of the future," said Sen. Rob Garagiola, a Montgomery Democrat and a co-sponsor of the electric-vehicle package. "We need to be agile and move quickly to position ourselves so we can develop the roadmap for the future of electric vehicles."

GM lobbyists, along with representatives from other big companies with a stake in the future of electric autos, have been making the rounds for weeks at committee hearings, pressing lawmakers to pass the package.

In those hearings, GM hasn't been shy to remind lawmakers about the company's recent commitments to the state. Those include a nearly $250 million investment to build electric motors at a manufacturing plant in Baltimore County, and the decision to tap Maryland along with the District as early roll-out markets for the Volt.

The Volt, which can run for about 40 miles on a full charge before a gas engine kicks in, is the first of the autos produced by major manufacturers to arrive in Maryland. Nissan's all-electric Leaf will hit dealer showrooms across the state this spring. Ford's initial electric offering is slated to become available in the District later this year.

About 2,000 electric autos will commute on Maryland roads by the end of 2012, according to a report from the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Center for Automotive Research. By 2015, more than 11,600 electric vehicles are projected to be registered in the state, ranking Maryland among the top 15 states for electric auto registrations.

That same year, the number of plug-ins and electric autos on roads across the country is expected to reach more than 469,000, according to the report.

Ultimately, consumer demand will be influenced by incentives offered by state and local governments, ranging from grants, rebates, tax credits and fee exemptions.

In December, Haggins, the Volt driver, became one of 13 Marylanders to receive the $2,000 state tax credit approved by the legislature last year. He missed out on the $7,500 federal rebate because he's leasing his Volt.

"I think our government is doing a fair amount but could do more," said Haggins, who would like to see more electric vehicle incentives for businesses.

Haggins also received a federal rebate for the 240-volt charging station attached to a wall in his garage. The device cuts the time it takes to charge his Volt from eight hours to four.

"I would have thought a little longer about the charging station in the garage without the tax incentive," said Haggins, who is slated to receive up to a 30 percent tax credit on the $500 he spent on the charging station.

The cars, rebates and the legislative package debated at the State House are all signs of the first wave of vehicle electrification in Maryland. Lawmakers are hopeful electric vehicles will play a part in reinvigorating the state's post-recession economy.
O'Malley's administration estimates that GM's decision to build electric motors in Maryland will attract 800 direct and spinoff jobs by 2018.

At SemaConnect, the Annapolis-based startup that specializes in building commercial charging stations, the company is readying for expansion as production of electric vehicles ramps up.

The six-man firm is busy building 55 charging stations as part of a roughly $367,000 state contract, the company's first major deal. The charging stations are expected to be up and running by this summer at 15 locations across Maryland, including select metro stations, municipal buildings and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

By the end of June, SemaConnect's Reddy estimates about100 public charging stations will populate the state. In the future, they'll be commonly installed in apartment buildings, parking lots, hotels and shopping centers, he said.

Each charging station, Reddy said, will have a ripple effect for employment -- from the engineers and programmers that design the stations to laborers who dig trenches for installation.

"Across the spectrum, from one end of the blue collar to the other end of the white collar, you got job creation," Reddy said.

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PlugShare Uses Crowd Sourcing to Provide Electric Vehicle Charging

PlugShare is a new, free app for the iPhone and iPad that provides a remedy for those suffering from "range anxiety," the fear that an electric vehicle will run out of juice.

Produced by Xatori, a Palo Alto startup, PlugShare calls itself a "community-powered vehicle charging network." The app shows a map of all the public charging stations and taps into the device's GPS to locate the nearest one and provide directions. It also lets users share their personal charging stations, by inputting their address.

"We want to build and support a community that's creating a paradigm shift to a massively cleaner type of transportation," Xatori co-founder and CEO told TechCrunch. "The reality is that most people will charge their electric vehicles at home and not exceed the range of their vehicle very often. This [app] provides a kind of backup plan, and lets you feel comfortable. If you did miscalculate, you'd be ok."

When drivers download PlugShare, they're asked to fill out a brief profile that includes their address and contact information so that others can find their charging station and contact you to charge by appointment. It's not required to share this information, but if a user opts to add their station to PlugShare, it will appear on the map, with different icons to indicate high-speed charging station and at-home plugs. Users can opt-out at any time.

PlugShare can be downloaded for free from the App Store or on the PlugShare Web site. Xatori said it's also developing an Android version to be released in the future.

It's not just for electric car owners, either. Anyone who is willing to share their plug is invited to download the app and add their charging station.

At CES, Ford unveiled the Ford Focus Electric, the company's first-ever all-electric passenger car.

For the top stories in tech, follow us on Twitter at @PCMag.

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Hawaii to build electric car charging stations

Posted: Saturday, March 19th, 2011 7:49 AM HST Hawaii to build electric car charging stations HONOLULU (AP) ? About 250 electric vehicle charging stations are being built across Hawaii to provide a power boost to the short-range vehicles.

Private companies and government agencies announced Friday they'll use $2.6 million in federal stimulus money to build the stations, which are a few feet high and plug into electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf or the Chevy Volt.

The grant recipients pitched in $2 million in matching funds to receive the money.

While there are only about 18 commercial electric cars on Hawaii's roads so far, those numbers are expected to jump into the hundreds over the next few months.

Building the charging stations creates an incentive for Hawaii residents to buy electric cars and feel comfortable they won't get stranded if their vehicles run out of fuel.

View the original article here

MTEMC drives away with first Leaf

MURFREESBORO ? Rutherford County now has its first fully-electric vehicle ? and, not surprisingly, the electric company has the keys.

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation became the first proud new owner of a Nissan Leaf, a fully electric zero-emissions vehicle that runs on battery power, during a delivery ceremony at Nissan of Murfreesboro on Memorial Boulevard Friday.

"We are really excited about this," said Pam Humphrey, the dealership's executive manager. "This means a lot to our livelihood and to our families and our friends."

Humphrey told a group of about three dozen residents and others gathered for the event how proud she was to be a part of Nissan, a company that is leading the way in electric vehicle technology.

Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess said he was thankful that Nissan has chosen Rutherford County as a home, referring to the Smyrna manufacturing plant that will begin production of the Leaf in 2012.

"They have been great employers and great assets to this county," he said. "They are taking a proactive leadership role in helping us become less reliant on fossil fuels. This means so much for this county and the state of Tennessee and the future of this great country."

Various staff members of Nissan of Murfreesboro showed off key design features of the Leaf before handing over the keys to the vehicle to Chris Jones, vice president of engineering for MTEMC.

Jones said Middle Tennessee Electric staff considered the receipt of the Leaf a "great honor."

"We have a long-standing relationship with Nissan through the manufacturing plant in Smyrna and the corporate headquarters in Williamson County and they are members of Middle Tennessee Electric," he said. "This is a great honor and is special for us. We are proud to be the first in Rutherford County to have this vehicle."

Nissan handed over the first set of keys to a Leaf to a Nashville couple, Jeff and Ashley Heeren, in December.

A shipment of more than 600 Nissan Leaf electric cars left Japan for the United States on March 10, just before last week's devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the tsunami.

(2 of 2)

The company had to suspend further production to assess damage to four of its plants. Other Japanese manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota were in similar situations.

Japan is the world's second-largest auto producer.

All of Nissan's American plants, including the Smyrna plant, are operating and will continue normal production until further notice. Nearly 70 percent of Nissan vehicles sold in the U.S. are made in North America.

Nissan Americas has pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross in relief support in Japan.

Production of the Leaf will begin at the Smyrna plant in 2012. Construction is currently under way on a $1 billion lithium-ion battery plant for the Leaf. Up to 1,300 new jobs are planned in Smyrna with the new automotive line.

Efforts are also under way statewide to build quick-charging stations that will allow Leaf and other electric vehicle owners the ability to recharge their vehicles. The Murfreesboro dealership and Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce building on Medical Center Parkway already have charging stations, while Publix and Cracker Barrel locations are among others that are planning to include charging stations in the future.

The Leaf has a range of about 100 miles before needing a recharge.

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Electric vehicle app to curb 'range anxiety'

Duncan Graham-Rowe, contributor

(Image: Andy Lauwers/Rex Features)

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) can be an unnerving experience, especially when you suddenly realise that the range on the battery indicator is the maximum, not the minimum, and that you just might not make it to the next recharging point.

But now such "range anxiety" can be avoided, or at least alleviated, by a new iPhone app. By letting EV drivers share their recharging stations and displaying them on an onscreen map, PlugShare creates a community-driven network of charging points that are free to use.

According to Xatori in Palo Alto, California, which developed the app, most people will probably continue to charge their cars at home, and rarely exceed the range of their vehicle. But on occasion, such as when they veer off their usual routes, range anxiety can creep in.

One reason for this is that the range given by EVs usually represents ideal driving conditions. That means that it can fail to take into account additional battery drain caused by using the radio, headlights or air conditioning, or even just the electric windows. And sometimes, such as on a highway, it's not just inconvenient but downright dangerous to drive at an optimum speed of 55 kilometres per hour.

Given the relative scarcity of public charging points, which PlugShare also displays, the new app reduces the chances of getting caught short. One thing it can't do, however, is tell you whether anyone is in to let you use the socket.

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Electric vehicle movie set for Tribeca premiere

A new documentary focusing on the growth of electric vehicles is to premiere on Earth Day at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film's producers confirmed March 14.

Chris Paine's Revenge of the Electric Car is to be the New York festival's Spotlight feature documentary, premiering on April 22, one of the most auspicious days of the year in the green calendar.

The film's high-profile premiere reflects how far the filmmakers -- and electric cars -- have come since Paine's first electric vehicle film in 2006, which focused on the destruction of electric vehicles in the 1990s.

Revenge of the Electric Car goes behind the scenes at three major companies racing to bring EVs to market (Tesla, Nissan and General Motors) to tell the story of how electric cars came to mainstream release in 2011, which Paine describes as "year one of the electric car."

It also focuses on the personal journey of Tesla boss Elon Musk, GM executive Bob Lutz and Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, all of whom have staked considerable personal credibility on the success of electric vehicles.

"For us to be playing at Tribeca in New York on Earth Day is a great sign that the electric car revolution is more than just a great story, it's our future with less imported oil," said Paine.

After the premiere, the film will have a handful of other screenings at Tribeca before showing in cities where it has proved the most popular -- the producers have set up a website where fans can request that it be shown where they live.

See the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkRIu5a6Sb0

http://www.revengeoftheelectriccar.com/

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Google Maps adds locations of electric vehicle charging stations

Electric vehicles are the future of personal transportation. That can’t be denied. The problem is, it’s hard to make EVs the present. For one thing, a lot of the benefits to owning an electric vehicle when it comes to emissions are obviated by the fact that much of the United States still depends upon coal-based electricity. Leaving aside that fact, though, there’s a more practical problem with replacing your old gas guzzler with an electric vehicle: while gas stations are pretty much ubiquitous across the country, electric vehicle charging stations are not. In fact, not only are they pretty dang rare, but it’s almost impossible to know where the nearest charging station is to you, even if there is one in the area.

Well, until now. Google has just rolled out a nifty new Google Maps feature that will help you find electric vehicle charging stations in your area, before your car runs out of juice.

Here’s how it works. If you want to find the closest electric vehicle charging stations to where you are or where you will be, just search Google Maps by preceding your search term with “EV charging stations near.” For example, if you were near Times Square in New York City, you’d search for “EV Charging stations near Times Square, New York.”

Of course, there’s a catch, and that’s information: not all of the charging stations in the country are listed yet. As the service becomes used more, though, owners of EV charging stations will hopefully start reporting themselves to Google, and Google also says that the US DOE NREL is working to make data on public charging stations moree available, and Google will mirror that database accordingly.

Most of us, we probably won’t use this, but this is just another small step towards more widescale EV acceptance.

Read more at Google

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Investment in Electric Vehicle Technology Is the Fastest and Most Sustainable Road to Lower Gas Prices

MOORESVILLE, NC--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) - Li-ion Motors (OTCBB: LMCO) (FRANKFURT: LL9L) -- According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States and Canada use 2/3 of oil consumption for transportation, far more than for heat and power.?Gas consumption accounts for almost 45 percent of all oil use.

More than crude oil barrel price, demand is what drives high gas prices at the pump. So the best way to keep gas prices in check would be investment in proven alternative transportation technology such as Li-ion Motors' (OTCBB: LMCO) (FRANKFURT: LL9L) lithium-ion battery powered electric cars, small trucks and motorcycles.

"Investment in a company like Li-ion Motors and the increased use of electric vehicles by government, business and individuals will help control prices across the board," says Li-ion Motors CEO Stacey Fling. "By decreasing demand at the pump through putting more cars like our Wave II, Inizio and gas-to-electric conversions on the road, prices will drop and this will have a positive domino effect on every other business that is slave to oil for production or shipping.

"That's real economic stimulus."

Increase in demand is impacted by many factors, most recently by increases in car ownership and production needs in China, India and other emerging markets. Japan, which is already a major consumer of oil, will only see that grow drastically, primarily for power generation, as their nuclear system was compromised by the recent natural disasters.

The Los Angeles Times reported that, "Many analysts are predicting a sharp rise in energy prices, particularly on the West Coast, as refiners scramble to replace more than 1 million barrels a day in refined fuels production lost because of Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

"West Coast refineries are the most likely supply source for the Japanese, experts say, which could reduce the amount of gasoline and diesel fuel available for U.S. drivers and businesses, possibly boosting prices that were already rising in response to higher oil costs."

"It's the butterfly effect," says Fling, "and some butterflies are bigger than others."

Gasoline accounts for about 2/3 of the total oil used for transportation in the United States with the rest comprised of diesel fuel which is used primarily for trucks, buses, railroads, and a few passenger auto engines, jet and other aviation fuel, and residual fuel oil, which is used for tankers and other large ships.

"The math is simple and sound," says Fling. "By actively engaging in a proven oil-free alternative, we can keep America on the road and decrease domestic demand for oil at the same time with our proven electric vehicles. Our Wave II won the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize averaging 187 miles per gallon equivalent. The cost for that is about $3. Even the best hybrids out there can barely do 25% of that."

Not only would this help control demand and provide lower costs for planes, trains and ships as well as all the gas-powered vehicles still out there but it would also help keep costs down on oil used for other products.

Expanded drilling is just a short-term Band-Aid still dependent on oil and subject to the whims of the marketplace and not a long-term solution such as electric drive transportation.

"The frantic calls for the government to open up offshore drilling in order to bring down oil costs are more grandstanding than helpful," says Fling, "especially when real solutions like investment in proven electric vehicle technology can have immediate effect."

About Li-ion Motors Corp.: ?(OTCBB: LMCO) (FRANKFURT: LL9L), headquartered in Mooresville, NC with corporate offices in Las Vegas, NV, is a leading developer and manufacturer of electric powered automobiles including the WAVE II and the Inizio.

Previously known as Hybrid Technologies, the company has more than ten years' experience and expertise in the conversion of internal combustion cars to all electric for both individual and corporate customers as well as government agencies such as NASA.

The company won the Progressive Automotive X Prize in 2010 for its WAVE II, which came with a $2.5 million (USD) award. During the X Prize competition, the WAVE II whose electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries governed by a proprietary battery management system (BMS) was certified by the Argonne National Laboratory at 202.5 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).

The Inizio is the world's first 100% electric supercar, capable of 170 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in up to 3.4 seconds. Both vehicles are moving into production for consumer sales in 2011.

Along with the production of original vehicles, the company licenses its proprietary BMS and technology to automobile manufacturers seeking to advance their electric vehicle offerings.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT:
This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ.

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Research and Markets: Electric Vehicle Traction Batteries 2011-2021

Press Release Source: Research and Markets On Wednesday March 16, 2011, 6:12 pm EDT

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/642519/electric_vehicle_t) has announced the addition of the "Electric Vehicle Traction Batteries 2011-2021" report to their offering.

This comprehensive report has detailed assessments and forecasts for all the sectors using and likely to use traction batteries. There are chapters on heavy industrial, light industrial/commercial, mobility for the disabled, two wheel and allied, pure electric cars, hybrid cars, golf cars, military, marine and other. The profusion of pictures, diagrams and tables pulls the subject together to give an independent view of the future ten years. Unit sales, unit prices and total market value are forecast for each sector for 2011-2021. The replacement market is quantified and ten year technology trends by sector are in there too, with a view on winning and losing technologies and companies. This is the essential reference book for those who are anywhere in the hybrid and pure electric vehicle value chain. Those making materials, cells, battery sets or vehicles, researchers, legislators and market analysts will find it invaluable.

The whole picture With vehicle traction batteries it is important to look at the whole picture and this report does it for the first time. The rapidly growing market for traction batteries will exceed $55 billion in only ten years. However that spans battery sets up to $500,000 each with great sophistication needed for military, marine and solar aircraft use. Huge numbers of low cost batteries are being used for e-bikes but even here several new technologies are appearing. The largest replacement market is for e-bikes today and the value market for replacement batteries will not be dominated by cars when these batteries last the life of the car - something likely to happen within ten years. The trends are therefore complex and that is why IDTechEx has analysed them with great care. Vehicle manufacturers are often employing new battery technology first in their forklifts or e-bikes, not cars, yet there is huge progress with car batteries as well - indeed oversupply is probable in this sector at some stage. The mix is changing too. The second largest volume of electric vehicles being made in 2010 is mobility aids for the disabled but in ten years time it will be hybrid cars. The market for car traction batteries will be larger than the others but there will only be room for six or so winners in car batteries and other suppliers and users will need to dominate their own niches to achieve enduring growth and profits. Strategy must be decided now. In this report, researched in 2010 and frequently updated, we analyse the successes, the needs, the statistics and the market potential for traction batteries for all the major applications. This has never been done before. It is important to look at the whole picture because traction battery manufacturers typically sell horizontally across many applications and electric vehicle manufacturers increasingly make versions for many applications - heavy industrial, on road, leisure and so on. Indeed, the smarter putative suppliers will choose the sectors that best leverage their strengths rather than join the herd and be obliterated by corporations of up to $100 billion in size enjoying prodigious government support.

Stay Updated with Free IDTechEx Research

In addition, all report purchases include one hour free consulting with a report author from IDTechEx, by email or telephone. This needs to be used within three months of purchasing the report.

Key Topics Covered:

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

2. INTRODUCTION

3. PROGRESS WITH NEW GENERATION LITHIUM TRACTION BATTERIES

4. HEAVY INDUSTRIAL EVS

5. LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL EVS

6. MOBILITY FOR THE DISABLED

7. TWO WHEELED EVS AND ALLIED VEHICLES

8. GOLF EVS

9. CARS

10. PURE ELECTRIC CARS

11. HYBRID CARS

12. MILITARY

13. MARINE

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/642519/electric_vehicle_t

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First Nissan Leaf, An All-Electric Vehicle, Arrives March 12

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ChargePoint Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles Now Available - Go Shopping!

The Bellevue Collection today announced the installation of its ChargePointR networked electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 15 locations in The Bellevue Collection parking garages. The ChargePoint stations are now installed and were unveiled at a “Plug In Ceremony” in the NE parking garage at Bellevue Square.

Bothell, WA (PRWEB) March 17, 2011

The Bellevue Collection today announced the installation of its ChargePointR networked electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 15 locations in The Bellevue Collection parking garages. The ChargePoint stations are now installed and were unveiled at a “Plug In Ceremony” in the NE parking garage at Bellevue Square.

ChargeNorthwest's Jim Billmaier and Kemper Development Company's Glen Bachman hosted the announcement event. Additionally several electric vehicles including the Nissan LEAF and Tesla Roadsters were on display and used to demonstrate how the charge stations work.

The installation of these new ChargePoint stations is part of an overall program by The Bellevue Collection management toward greater environmental stewardship.

There are fifteen locations at The Bellevue Collection featuring the networked electric vehicle (EV) charging stations:
????5 ports in the West Garage on the 2nd level near sky bridge #2????4 ports in the Northeast Garage, 1st floor near Nordstrom????4 in the Lincoln Square Garage on the 1st level (P1)????2 ports in the Bellevue Place Garage on the 1st level (P1)

Our Other Green Efforts Include:
????A portion of the landscape is irrigated with reclaimed water????Extensive use of low evaporation drip irrigation????Shrubbery and tree cuttings are mulched and composted????Use of drought tolerant and native plantings

With Waste Stream management & Landfill Diversion:
????Cardboard recovery program????Trash recycling????Kitchen waste composting????Bulb recycling program????Paint disposal program????Styrofoam recovery system

Our Carpooling & Telecommuting;
????Park & ride program through Trans manage

Our use of Materials & resources includes:
????Low VOC paints????Biodegradable janitorial products????Recyclable paper products????And energy efficient lighting & appliances

“Bellevue Square has been a trend setting shopping destination for generations in our community,” said Freeman. “It’s only fitting that we would be the location of the first ChargePoint stations for shopping centers in the region to offer this to our customers. You can be charging while shopping or dining. What could be easier for our customers?”

The new installation at The Bellevue Collection is part of Coulomb’s $37 million ChargePoint America program. Coulomb’s ChargePoint America program will provide 4,600 free charging stations in nine regions in the United States: Austin, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando/Tampa, Sacramento, San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Redmond/Bellevue, Washington DC/Baltimore, Southern Michigan (including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit). Installation of the ChargePoint charging stations is underway now in all nine regions. Businesses interested in free ChargePoint stations can visit http://www.chargepointamerica.com to apply.

Coulomb’s ChargePointR Network is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and all manufacturers of plug-in vehicle charging stations. ChargePoint Network’s unique features include:
????The ability for drivers to access stations via contactless credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover) ????24/7/365 telephone driver support via a toll free number on all charging stations ????Smart Grid ready with built in Utility Grade Capable Metering, Time of Use (TOU) pricing and Demand Response (DR) control ????Smart Phone applications to find unoccupied stations, navigate to them, and operate them????Low operating cost through remote monitoring, alerts, diagnosis, and control

“Charge Northwest is working closely with cities and businesses to make our community EV ready,” said Jim Billmaier founding partner of Charge Northwest and regional distributor of ChargePoint solutions. “The Bellevue Collection is demonstrating their leadership by installing and showcasing the first networked charging stations for their customers.”

About ChargePoint America
The $37 million ChargePoint America program is made possible by a $15M grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the Department of Energy. ChargePoint America will provide 4,600 public and home ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations by October 2011, adding to the existing ChargePoint Network. Coulomb will work together with its distribution and industry partners to evaluate the demand from the respective geographic regions and allocate charging stations based on this and other factors. The ChargePoint America project will collect data characterizing vehicle use and charging patterns, and Purdue University and Idaho National Labs will analyze the data. For more program information, visit http://www.chargepointamerica.com.

About The Bellevue Collection
Located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, The Bellevue Collection includes Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. With a distinctive collection of 250 of the finest shops, 23 sit-down restaurants, a 16-screen premier cinema, 700 luxury hotel rooms and 10,000 free retail parking spaces, all in one location. The Bellevue Collection is an experience unlike any other in the region. It is located on Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 10th Street in downtown Bellevue, just across Lake Washington from Seattle.

# # #

Cheryl Engstrom

425-417-1395
Email Information

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Frost & Sullivan to Provide Industry Leaders With Key Plug-In Electric Vehicle Market Insights

 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) - ?Frost & Sullivan's Veerender Kaul is set to speak at this year's Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure USA 2011 Conference & Exhibition March 31-April 1. Kaul aims to explore the consumer attitude and perceptions about electric vehicles and their electric vehicle purchase interest and preferences.

By 2020, huge shifts in urbanization and society are expected, which will collectively impact personal mobility.?Electric vehicles (EV) are expected to be in the forefront of these changes with ground-breaking products, innovative business models and new customer experiences. The move from a fossil-fuel based personal transportation system to an electric system, however, presents enormous challenges. The high price of EVs, limited driving range of battery EVs (typically 100 miles) and the lack of a public charging network are major impediments to the adoption of EVs.

The high investment needs for developing electric vehicles and the supporting infrastructure, amidst uncertainty about the acceptance of these vehicles, poses enormous risk. For a successful EV program, it is important to understand the vehicle-purchase and vehicle-usage criteria of consumers and fleet customers and align product and service offerings to them. Veerender Kaul's presentation will analyze the following key issues:

What is the level of awareness and interest in purchasing electric vehicles? What are the motivations for purchasing an electric vehicle? What are the vehicle usage and performance characteristics of interested customers? Who are the potential early adopters of electric vehicles? What are the electric vehicle feature preferences?

"On one hand, the unique driving attributed to an EV makes it difficult to position it as a primary vehicle and on the other hand its high price makes its positioning as a secondary vehicle difficult.?Innovative business models that package transportation services with EVs to overcome its driving limitations and derive secondary revenue streams to reduce the cost burden on EV owners are crucial to positioning an EV as a primary vehicle and enhancing its value proposition," notes Veerender Kaul, Frost & Sullivan's Automotive & Transportation Research Director.

The Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure USA 2011 conference in San Diego, CA on March 31-April 1 will showcase 20+ senior level speakers across 15+ dedicated business focused sessions to discuss the most innovative & commercial charging solutions, consumer behavior data, utility case studies, connectivity & payment strategies and much more in order to work out the a win-win situation for stakeholders. All attendees need to pre-register for the event. For the full speaker lineup, agenda and more details please visit: http://www.evupdate.com/electricvehicleusa/index.shtml

EV update is a sister brand of Telematics Update. Telematics Update provides a weekly e-newsletter, interviews and business information for senior executives with an interest in infotainment, telematics and location based services, commercial vehicle telematics and vehicle safety markets. Telematics Update has organized leading business conferences in Europe, the USA and Asia-Pacific since 2000.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

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Electric vehicle charging station grant funds available for Tacoma business owners

 Electric vehicle charging station grant funds available for Tacoma business owners

Mar 16 2011

In response to the growing electric vehicle market, Federal stimulus grant funds are available to local business owners to install public customer charging stations. The Puget Sound area is one of a handful of regions that can take advantage of this opportunity. Businesses have until September 2011 to pursue the available grant funds to help the Puget Sound area plug-in to a new era of transportation innovation and reduce the fossil fuel costs and emissions. The benefits to becoming a charging station host include free charging stations; up to $2,500 for installation (through EV Project only); free maintenance coverage through December 2012; ownership of charging station transfers to site host at the end of the project; and recoup electricity costs, or even generate revenue by passing on charging fees to your EV customers. Requirements of charging station hosts include allow rapid installation of the charger; allow the general public to use the charger; provide adequate public signage; keep the charger in good operating order; cannot sell or move the charger once it is installed; and allow anonymous data to be provided for analysis. If interested, business owners need to call for a free estimate. To schedule your free assessment and estimate, or for more information, contact: Jim Blaisdell with Chargepoint America Project, ChargeNorthwest at (253) 265-0919 or Dan O'Shea with the EV Project, Ecotality at (206) 920-1477.

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For related Tacoma Daily Index coverage, read the following:

Electric vehicles will join City Hall's fleet (02/02/11) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1918586&more=0

City Council to vote on $2.6M electric fleet vehicle contract (01/21/11) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1912338&more=0

A 'green highway' through Tacoma? (12/04/10) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1710390&more=0

I-5 'electric highway' receives federal funding boost (06/29/10) -- http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1797199&more=0

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