Manitoba rolls out its new electric vehicle policy

The Manitoba government rolled out its new electric vehicle policy today to get more clean energy cars on the road.

Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak said the province will also sign another memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada to use the province as a testing ground for its i-MiEV electric vehicle.

Mitsubishi has already signed a deal to develop electric-powered buses with New Flyer.

Koji Soga, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada said his company was delighted to be working with the province.

The company is bringing two of its i-MiEVs to the province for testing.

The province is also creating an advisory committee on how electric transporation can be safely and economically introduced to the province.

Chomiak said electric vehicles will never be mass-produced in Manitoba, but that the province can be involved in the developing the techology for reliable electric transporation.

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Google To Map Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: 2011 Earth Day

Just the Facts: Just in time for 2011 Earth Day, Google and 80 other partners are working with the U.S. Department of Energy to map electric vehicle charging stations nationwide.It is part of the Obama Administration's efforts to get 1 million electric and advanced-technology vehicles on the road by 2015.The government has made $5 million available to local communities to jumpstart the electric-vehicle infrastructure in the U.S.

WASHINGTON — Just in time for Earth Day 2011, Google and 80 other partners are working with the U.S. Department of Energy to help electric vehicle drivers easily find charging stations nationwide.

The collaboration will use Google Maps to create an up-to-date database of all U.S. charging stations and will serve as the primary data source for GPS and mapping services tracking electric vehicle charging locations, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement this week.

Such high-tech mapping could also be tailored to help drivers find biodiesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, ethanol and liquefied natural gas stations.

Chu also announced the availability of $5 million in funding for cities to support the electric vehicle infrastructure. The money will improve the experience of electric vehicle users and help bring these energy-efficient vehicles to the marketplace, he said. The lack of an alt-energy infrastructure is widely viewed as a major stumbling block in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles such as the 2011 Nissan Leaf .

The initiative is part of the federal government's Clean Cities program, which encourages local governments to deploy clean technologies, including alternative fuels. Since it began in 1993, the program has saved nearly 3 billion gallons of gasoline, the DOE said. It is part of the Obama Administration's efforts to reduce U.S. oil imports by one-third by 2025 and to put 1 million advanced technology vehicles on the road by 2015.

Inside Line says: The government gets a charge out of Google. — Rene Wisely, Correspondent

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Geely McCar: Electric vehicle and scooter in one

 

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(PhysOrg.com) -- Geely, an automotive manufacturer that is based in China, has created a new vehicle called McCar. Aside from creating a lot of Batman movie comparisons and jokes, it truly is an amazing vehicle. The McCar, which is not named for a famous sandwich created by a fast food chain that uses a clown as it mascot, is a hybrid car that is paired with a scooter in the rear. While this combination is a bit unusual, it provides the maximum in driver flexibility.

The McCar was recently shown off to the public at Auto Shanghai auto show this week.

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The McCar is an ultra compact, two-door model with four-seats. The folding scooter in the back is entirely electric and has three wheels. Storing a bike in a car is nothing new, what makes the McCar unique is the fact that it can actually generate electricity with the movement of the car. The electricity can then be used to charge the electric scooter while it is docked in the trunk of the car. So, how could car could be greener than this? Since the main vehicle gives drivers a choice of a gas-electric hybrid or fully electric car, it really can't.

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The McCar electric version features a 12kWh battery, which has a range of roughly 93 miles. This car will no doubt be for mostly city driving, since it has a top speed of only 52mp. Recharge time on the McCar's battery is roughly six hours, which puts it ahead of some larger electronic cars. The hybrid version features a 8kWh battery that can run roughly 31 miles on electric power and up to 373 miles on a combination of gasoline and battery life, with a top speed of 80mph, which makes it the choice for longer trips. The hybrid is also good for impatient chargers, since it takes only two hours to recharge. The cars scooter has a range of 18 miles and a top speed of 18 miles per hour. Like the hybrid vehicle the scooter takes two hours to charge. Since this part charges while you drive, you won't really have to wait.

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Official word has not been given yet on when this car will be available to the public, what markets it will be made available to, or what the car will cost. It does not take a brain surgeon to figure out that the car will be available in China, but who knows what other markets the McCar will find its way into.
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? 2010 PhysOrg.com

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Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming To Western Loudoun Park & Ride

Five electric vehicle charging stations will be installed at the park and ride lot under construction at Scott Jenkins Memorial Park east of Hamilton.

Siemens Energy, Inc., has been tapped to provide the multi-level charging stations, which are expected to be placed in the park in May. When the park and ride lot opens, it will accommodate 250 spaces for both commuters and recreational visitors to the park.

In a press release, Siemens notes the partnership between the company and Loudoun County government to install the EV stations is one of the first EV infrastructure deployment projects in the area.

"The County is beginning to think strategically on how to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure to its residents and how to integrate these new technologies into our own vehicle fleet," Nicole Steele, Loudoun County energy grant specialist, stated. "We look forward to working with Siemens to provide convenient EV charging at the county's new park and ride facility."

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GEM battery electric: neighborhood friendly and 30 mile range

By Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 9:31 a.m.

The GEM e2 seats two occupants with bench-style seating using molded-foam cushions covered by marine grade UV-stable vinyl coverings.

Body style: 2-, 4- and 6-seat passenger models; 3 utility models

Powertrain: heavy-duty DC motor with continuous 5 hp and a 21-hp peak during acceleration and hill climbing; six 12-volt battery pack (nine 8-volt gel pack on largest utility model); regenerative braking

Transmission: single speed gear reducer with an integrated differential

Top speed: 25mph

Charging time: 6 to 8 hours with onboard, 72-volt DC charger that plugs into a standard 110-volt AC 15-amp household outlet

Length: 99 to 162 in.

Wheelbase: 72 to 133 in.

Payload: 710 to 1,380 lbs (including options, passengers and cargo)

Curb weight: 1,140 to 1,620 lbs.

Safety features: quartz-halogen headlights, turn signals, rearview mirror and side mirrors, 3-point seat belts, high-mounted rear brake and taillights, laminated and tinted automotive safety glass with a windshield wiper.

Base pricing: $8,440 to $14,380, including freight charges

Warranty: 1 year

Where assembled: Fargo, North Dakota

Info: Gemcar.com

The GEM Neighborhood Electric Vehicle may look like a customized golf cart, but its automotive-grade engineering (and testing) is the big separator.

These battery-electric vehicles by the Global Electric Motorcar Co., a division of Chrysler LLC, are built with welded aluminum space frames, A-arm front independent suspension with coil springs over shock absorbers, carlike rack-and-pinion steering, automotive-style hydraulic brakes and a parking brake.

They also have such safety features as 12-inch street-rated tires, quartz-halogen headlights, turn signals, a rearview mirror and side mirrors, three-point seat belts, high-mount rear brake and taillights, and laminated, tinted automotive safety glass with a windshield wiper.

The front-drive GEMs, sold in six body styles, have a driving range of 30 to 35 miles fully loaded. The electric drive is by a heavy-duty DC motor with continuous 5 horsepower with a 21-hp reserve for acceleration and hill climbing.

Sold in 2-, 4- and 6-seat passenger models, starting prices range from $8,440 to $14,380, including freight charges. Three two-seat utility models with short, long and extra-long bed lengths range in price from $9,610 to $12,670. A federal 10 percent discount (up to $2,500) is available through Dec. 31. And California Clean Vehicle Rebates ranging from $1,000 and $1,350 are available on most models.

Options include a 7-hp Performance Package, $525, and Convenience package, $200, which adds an accessory outlet, grab handles, mud flaps and scuff guards. There’s a radio-CD-MP3 audio system, $710, and fast chargers, starting at $3,340. The fast charger will bring six 12-volt batteries up to 80 percent state of charge within 2 to 4 hours and a full charge in 4 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the batteries used.

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Ford: Denver one of the most "electric vehicle-ready cities" in the nation

Ford: Denver one of the most "electric vehicle-ready cities" in the nation - The Denver Post  var date = new Date();document.write(date.toLocaleDateString());
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Print?? Email?? Font ResizeFord: Denver one of the most "electric vehicle-ready cities" in the nationBy Howard Pankratz
The Denver PostPosted:?04/13/2011 06:48:40 AM MDTUpdated:?04/13/2011 07:32:27 AM MDT
The top 25 most electric vehicle-ready cities, according to Ford Motor Company. (Ford Motor Company | handout)

Denver was named today as one of the "most electric vehicle-ready cities" in the United States by Ford.

Denver was named along with 24 other cities based on the company's research about community plans to assist with the transition to electric cars.

In Colorado, Ford -- which is about to launch its Focus Electric car later this year -- points to several different programs, including efforts by Denver, Boulder and the "Colorado Plug-In Working Group".

The working group is composed of state, local and regional entities formed to pursue the implementation of advanced plug-in, electric vehicles.

Current members of the group include Denver, Boulder, Xcel Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Rocky Mountain Institute, Denver Metro Clean Cities Coalition and the State of Colorado Governor's Energy Office.

"As more and more electric vehicles come to market, it's incredibly important cities develop action plans including infrastructure development and permitting solutions to ensure these vehicles are a viable solution for our citizens," said Mike Tinskey, Ford's manager of Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure.

"The cities on our list are working with multiple partners including local utilities, auto manufacturers, technology companies and others to support a successful integration of electric vehicles."

In Denver, Ford said the city has developed a plan to allow quick turnaround for private individuals or businesses to obtain permits to install vehicle charging stations.

Denver's permitting and inspection officials have provided feedback and assurances regarding vehicle-charging technologies: a permit for a level 2 home charging unit should be easily obtainable through a simple, 15-30 minute walkthrough review.

Denver is also participating in a U.S.-China "Eco Partnership" sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The partnership includes the city of Denver, Ford Motor Company, the city of Chongquing, and Chang'an Motors.

Focused on the implementation of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, this partnership has, according to the Treasury Department, "the potential to significantly advance the global development of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles."

Among the other cities named are Honolulu, San Diego, Seattle, Orlando, San Francisco Bay area, and Washington, D.C.

Tinskey said that the electric grid system in the United States has ample capacity to support electric transportation.

He said the key for local utilities is to offer incentives so electric vehicle customers are encouraged to charge during the nighttime hours when plenty of capacity is available.

"Additionally, at a local level, we are encouraged that many cities are taking an urban planning approach to public charge station locations - which will result in locations that are used more and more often and an efficient use of investment dollars," Tinskey added.

Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.

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Google Teams Up with U.S. Government for Electric Vehicle Efforts

 
??(Source: media.tecca.com)The Obama administration will work with Google to put electric vehicle stations on Google Maps, and will also award $5 million for community-based efforts to expand electric vehicle adoption

Google has made several environmentally friendly commitments lately. For instance, the web giant?invested $168 million in the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System?in the Mojave Desert in California, and just invested another?$100 million in the Shepherds Flat Wind Farm?in Arlington, Oregon. Google has also played a role in the adoption of electric vehicles through programs like?RechargeIT.?

Early last month, Google even?added electric vehicle charging stations?to Google Maps in an effort to make electric vehicle ownership more convenient.?

Now, President Barack Obama is looking to put 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015, and to cut oil imports by one-third by 2025. To reach this goal, the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory?is partnering with Google to provide "up-to-date information about electric vehicle charging stations in communities worldwide." This initiative will build upon the efforts that Google kicked off in March with Google Maps.?

“Through this collaboration, key players from the electric vehicle and online mapping industries are coming together to ensure a consistent source of charging station location data that will allow consumers to find every charging station throughout the country,” said NREL Project Manager Witt Sparks.

“Google is excited to be part of the GeoEVSE Forum and to share EVSE location data with users through Google Maps,” added Cynthia Yeung of Google’s Strategic Partnerships team. “We’re proud to help give drivers the power to plug in.”

The Obama administration's second effort is to award $5 million in funding for "community-based efforts" to expand electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure. Local governments and private companies will join forces to apply for funding to push for increased installation of electric vehicle charging stations in order to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.?

In addition, communities will create strategies and incentive programs to improve the electric vehicle experience.?

"Young lady, in this house we obey the laws of thermodynamics!" -- Homer Simpson
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