TonyGuitar

UK Reva Electric Car co. [G-Wiz] Award Winner

2008-06-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

**LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2008 Frost & Sullivan European Automotive Powertrain Company of the Year Award is presented to Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) for demonstrating excellence in sales volumes, superior market penetration and high levels of customer satisfaction within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. In 2007, on average one REVA electric car was sold per day in the United Kingdom.

RECC is the world's best selling developer and manufacturer of electric cars and a pioneer of EV technologies. It is the first company to break through the price-performance barrier with an EV, the first to successfully commercialise EVs and, the first to volume sell EVs with AC motor drives.

**Technology leadership has enabled RECC to break the price-performance barrier and consistently develop and commercialise new mobility solutions,** notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Anjan Hemanth Kumar. **In 2007, RECC achieved milestones in terms of battery and electric motor technology.**

Research and development on lithium ion batteries reached new heights when RECC successfully tested and evaluated lithium ion batteries for the REVA quadricycle. The newly developed lithium ion batteries provide a driving range of more than 140 kilometers compared to 60-80 km from the existing lead acid battery pack.

http://tinyurl.com/5nghy6
======================== AutoblogGreen.com
= TG

Oil Gas & diesel prices flying higher

2008-05-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Can the CRUNCH be far off??

Another twist to our dubious affair with gasoline. . .

Mexican crude oil supplies to U.S. to be cut back by 184,000 bpd

** Pemex PMI Comercio Internacional, has some bad news for U.S. oil consumers. Mexico will be sending America less oil this year - to the tune of 184,000 barrels per day.

The cuts will continue for at least the next two years because production of crude in Mexico has been falling. **

http://tinyurl.com/5uk4ky
======================== [interesting comments]
= TG

GM Volt E-flex test lithium-ion from A123Systems and LG Chem

2008-05-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Big news out of General Motors, where Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says engineers have started road-testing Chevrolet Volt test mules with lithium-ion batteries and the company has "growing confidence" the car will be in showrooms before the end of 2010.

Maximum Bob let the battery tidbit slip during an interview with the Detroit News where he told automotive editor Manny Lopez, "We've got the first car running (with lithium-ion batteries) ... and what the guys get on 'sightings' is a picture of an old Malibu with black wheels and a very long extension cord."

We're not sure what he meant by the sightings crack but figure it must be reference to the excitement generated by spy-shots that supposedly showed a Volt test mule testing the E-Flex battery-electric powertrain. GM tells us those pictures, snapped by a photographer for Brenda Priddy and Company, actually showed a chassis development mule.

We've known for awhile that GM is testing lithium-ion battery packs from LG Chem and A123Systems and has put some E-Flex drivetrain components in test mules, but this is the first report that the engineers have li-ion batteries in a road-going car (even if it is a three-year-old Malibu). GM spokesman Robert Peterson said he couldn't comment on the batteries, so we'll take Maximum Bob at his word.

Lutz is cracking the whip hard to get the Volt built by 2010, and CEO Rick Wagoner told reporters at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition that GM will go "down to the wire" meeting that deadline. Still, Lutz told the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) GM should begin production of the Volt by November, 2010. He says the Volt has a "pretty good shot of getting over 100 mpg" but GM doesn't plan to use the E-Flex powertrain technology in a compact car, although it could be placed in a "small pickup truck" if tightening fuel economy rules require it.

Lutz also dropped this bomb in the Detroit News interview, and it's sure to hack off EV 1 fanatics:

"The only things that were wrong with the EV1 (GM's first electric car) was that it was way too expensive to make; it was only a two-passenger; and the battery technology was not ready," Lutz said. "It was a noble effort, but it was a technological force job and at a time when nobody cared. We could not find more than 800 buyers for that thing no matter how hard we tried or no matter how much we dropped the price. Finally we had to lease them out."

Let the flaming begin.

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/04/gms-road-testin.html

Thanks to Lyle Dennis, editor of GM-Volt.com, for the pic he snapped of the Volt test mule. He's got more pictures and details

Canada US Dollar inflation loss closing fast?

2008-05-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Meet Honda *Insight*. THE top efficiency car you can*t find or buy used.

Another twist to our dubious affair with gasoline. . .

Mexican crude oil supplies to U.S. to be cut back by 184,000 bpd

** Pemex PMI Comercio Internacional, has some bad news for U.S. oil consumers. Mexico will be sending America less oil this year - to the tune of 184,000 barrels per day. The cuts will continue for at least the next two years because production of crude in Mexico has been falling. **

http://tinyurl.com/5uk4ky
======================== [interesting comments]

As fuel costs rise, so too do foods and everything else. Time for an Electric Car, EV, and a back garden.
= TG

2500 Euros for no gas vehicle and $299 for laptop

2008-01-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Things are looking up for us ** Poor Boys**

To go along with the new modern Asustek laptop bargain at $299,

http://tinyurl.com/2zt7et

you will soon be able to buy a car that uses no gas or diesel for 2,500 Euros.

There is a BBC video waiting for you at:
AutoBlogGreen.com

French designed, India made at Tata Motors and a new plant going up in Melbourn Au.

Soon, a car and a great laptop for 9K. = TG

GM CEO Bob Lutz and $3000 China Patag

2007-12-11T01:32:00.000-08:00

I lifted this image from Part 2 [youtube video], of GM CEO Bob Lutz and his talk to the GM troops about new trends and new models.

GM is heavily invested in China and this set of wheels sells for about $3K.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH0zUS-WGWo&feature=related

That*s what you will hear Lutz say in the video. He also says the designers in China have caught up and the example he shows proves he is correct. He says he is glad GM is part of the China output.

MiniCooper lithium 65k hybrid on Sams cover

2007-12-11T00:54:00.000-08:00

A fun set of wheels for the ** Cashed up Greenies ** trend setters.

Click on the Photo once and get a full sized view.=TG

EVs in Canada - red tape -CBC News

2007-11-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

Exxon, Chevron and Alberta Govt. lobbies don*t hate the Electric Car, do they?

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association [Debunked]

2007-11-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

[ [This modern Paris Taxi runs on compressed air = clean! ]

Debunking Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Assn. 4/5 propaganda ad ; Page A7 National Post October 30th 2007

*We Have a Plan to Do More*
*New Technologies. We*ve introduced 70 new green technologies since 2005.

[Nice claim, but no list or examples.]

*Better fuels. We need more choice in renewable bio-fuels.

[Sure, anything to keep Internal combustion engines on the highways, practicality be dammed.]
[Only two (2) multi-mix E85 bio-fuel stations in Canada, so far.]

*Getting old polluting vehicles off the road. Government programs need to be expanded to replace older vehicles sooner.

[ A ploy to sell more cars by Government law. No mention that there are quick cures for engines that burn oil. Longer service of properly serviced oil burning vehicles is better for the ecology than scrapping and buying new.]

* Government leadership. Governments can continue to lead by purchasing new green technology vehicles for fleets.

[ Or Governments can lead buy converting hybrid fleet vehicles to (PEVs), Plug-in electric vehicles.] [No need to burn fossil fuels at all in daily service work.]

* Changes in driving behaviour. We must work together to help drivers reduce emissions. We can all make a difference.

[ Nonsense! Driving behaviour is a fixed value, is never likely to change and the CVMA knows it!

* Starting in 2011, we will be working toward more strigent efficiency standards with available most advanced technologies.[ Gonna play golf until 2011? Hogwash!]

Let me simplify the obvious cure for the Cdn. Vehicle Manufacturers Assn. Simply supply the 1993 EV-1 (Electric Vehicle) technology that was withdrawn and crushed in a secure GM compound in Arizona and then watch the poison smog that envelopes all cities vanish. Not to mention the freedom from paying a fortune to pump volatile gasoline for the excessive profits of Exxon, Chevron and the general club of oily carpetbaggers.]

The Propaganda on page A7 National Post speaks loudest by omission. There is not a mention of EV or PEV or battery. [Electric vehicle - Plug-in Electric vehicle.]

Understandable; The sale of electric vehicles with one motor moving part, ( the motor armature ), is not profit laden when compared to all the moving parts and attached systems for the old oil burning or bio-fuel motor.

Exxon, of Valdez oil spill fame, were court ordered to pay a penalty of 4 Billion$. Exxon appealed and had that reduced by half to two Billion$. Exxon is appealing the 2 Billion$ penalty for a reduction to zero$. Exxon is the worlds largest and most profitable corporation with profits in the Billion$. You would think they would pay some penalty just for political public relations reasons.

The CVMA begins with saying * We have a plan to do more* but notice that most points following seem to suggest that Government and the public must do more.

This post is meant to be constructive, CVMA. Back to the drawing board, and this time show us how YOU plan to do more!= TG

Green Your Car or Truck - Stop Blue Oil Smoke

2007-10-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Change of plan. Keeping the Jeep for now. It stopped burning oil. I really like the Wagoneer. Everything works well in this tough well built vehicle, it was only the oil burning that caused me to consider a newer Jeep. Now that the blue is cured, I can keep an old but good jeep out of the bone yard. This is how you can reduce or stop burning oil in your engine..

The old mechanic came over to the pumps and began conversation with;
"Nice looking’ truck,"
"Saw your blue smoke,'" he added. "Thinkin’ of rebuilding the engine?”
I replaced the hose in the pump and turned around. "Maybe later," I shrugged,
figuring he was trying to drum up some business. "Costs too damn much."

He grinned. "Twenty bucks sit favorable?"

"For what?" I said.

"For fixin’ what's wrong. Go get a cup of coffee. It'll be in good shape when you get back."

"You've got to be kidding!"

He wasn't. Told me he had been a mechanic for nearly 40 years and had rebuilt countless engines. But, for the past year or so, since learning of a new product and devising his own technique for using it, he wasn't doing much rebuilding. "Getting’ too old," he complained, "to keep tearing engines down and putting ‘em back together."

Twenty minutes later, I drove out "memorizing" some instructions. My smoke plume soon disappeared and the engine ran progressively better. Almost immediately oil consumption and plug fouling stopped. Today, nearly 15,000 miles later, I still don't add oil between changes and you never heard a better running old truck! Now, here's the "Secret Technique" that venerable master mechanic revealed to me, which you can easily do yourself:-

First, check for and correct any oil leaks around valve covers and oil pan. Tightening bolts may do the trick. If not, install new gaskets or have the work done. (This procedure won't stop leaks.) If front or rear engine-bearing seals leak, add a can of "Bearing Seal Additive" after Step #2. Chances are it will stop or vastly minimize the problem at low cost. (It did for me.) Okay, here are the 3 Steps:-

1. Drain engine oil and replace oil filter. You've probably been using a multi-grade 10-30 or 10-40 weight oil. Or a straight 30 weight oil. Regardless, replace that oil with one grade heavier, single-weight of oil. During warm months, use 40 weight; in the winter (depending on how far the mercury dips in your part of the country) use 20 or 30 weight. Slightly thicker oil won't hurt that worn engine. A good battery will still turn over fast.

2. Add two cans (30 ounces) of Alemite CD 2 for Oil Burning, which replaces one quart of the oil you normally use during an oil change. (If capacity with new filter is less than 5 quarts, use one can of the Alemite.)

3. Drive vehicle at town-speed, 20 to 35 miles per hour, for at least 50 miles (a 100 mile distance is better), before opening it up to expressway speeds. That's all there is to it!

Steps #1 and #3 are the real secret, assuring success when the "usual" additive treatment helps little if at all. Here's why, as my mechanic friend explained it to me:-

The Alemite contains a substance that builds-up between ring and cylinder wall, forming a tough, long-lasting seal. Problem is, standard 30 weight (in moderate clime) and multi-grade oils are too thin; they don't have sufficient "body" to prevent most of the sealer from blowing past rings BEFORE it can do its job. A heavier, single weight oil retards the blow-by and speeds-up the seal formation.

Driving at moderate speed for the first 50 miles or so, also helps accomplish fast seal build-up. Use a heavy foot on the accelerator immediately after treatment, and the fast-moving pistons pump much of the oil and sealer out the tail pipe.

The sealing compound, after setting-up, isn't as hard as steel. So, to prevent seal from deteriorating, add one can of the Alemite when changing oil thereafter. You might get away with going back to a thinner or multi-grade oil. But, why change a winning plan!

My success wasn't a "fluke" or something possible only with my type or make of vehicle! I was so delighted with results that I talked a friend into trying the same remedy. He owned a 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix, a real "Oilcoholic" with more than 120,000 miles of hard driving and lousy maintenance. He dropped from an oil consumption of a quart every 300 miles, to zero oil burning. One of his co-workers, impressed with the "born-again behemoth", bought a clean classic - a '65 Mustang Fastback with a real tired engine - for very little money. Using this procedure, he sold it at a handsome profit!

Soon, as the good news spread, I received reports of many successful applications - on foreign and domestic four-bangers, boats, even a couple of diesel-powered farm tractors. That's when I decided to advertise this "know-how" in a small way.

Incidentally, I have no connection with the Alemite company, nor is this report based on any "lab tests". All I know is that this method worked great for me, my friends, their friends, and a bunch of others. I can't see that there's any "risk" involved, but my lawyer insists I put this in:- The Seller of this information assumes no liability or responsibility for any vehicle damage resulting from the use of this information. “Use at your own risk."

Look at it this way. You invested a small amount for information that can save you hundreds of dollars. Your present car or truck can now provide you with many months, or even years, of additional service... postpone the need to buy a new vehicle, for a long time to come. Not to mention keeping blue smoke from the environment.

Alemite CD 2 for Oil Burning usually retails for around $2.25 per 15 ounce can; Engine Bearing Seal, for about $2.50 for 15 ounces. Both products are widely sold at supermarkets and of course, auto supply stores. [Thanks to: HowToAdvice.com]

PS: Zellers sells a one litre of oil for older cars, [in the RED plastic container for $5.99]. It may contain the same material as Alemite. I*m guessing Molybdinum.= TG

Phoenix EV SUT Best Electric Vehicle so far ?

2007-07-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

These are the two most promising EVs, unless you can suggest a better candidate. To me the EV SUT [ sport utility vehicle ], is the most ideal so far. I am aware of the $90K Tesla Roadster, but we are speaking practical choice for the moment.

The Phoenix SUT goes for about $45K, yet what other Useful EV can you suggest that is available today? If you come up with a winner, I*ll post the description and photo here. = TG

EV battery pack conversion complex? Yes and No

2007-06-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Check this simple diagram and ask yourself, ** Can I do this? **

http://www.docdockdocuments.com/conversion/Conversion51.htm

http://www.docdockdocuments.com/conversion/ConversionIndex.htm

http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/photos/pgallery20.php

The basic simplicity of the Electric Vehicle can make one wonder at the needless complexity and inflated prices * Big Auto * likes us to believe are warranted for simple transportation.

This is an excellent EV conversion project by Nick = http://DriveEV.com

http://www.docdockdocuments.com/conversion/ConversionIndex.htm

The converter :
Even the 400v to 12v DC to DC converter need not be connected to the drive current supply.

For accessory lights and battery charging. I would prefer an independent charger system because the converter needs to throw off a lot of wasted heat.

The function of the main breaker is the obvious safety device. Not so obvious is the inertia breaker in case of a collision accident. One more safety feature is the dash mount pull to open the main breaker via mechanical cable tripping.

Batteries
10 deep-cycle gellCell batteries = 120Vdc @ $120 each = $1200
[ Heavy, should do until light, Hi-density batteries are reasonable in price. ]

400 Amp DC motor
Used DC9 400 amp DC motor Model FB-1 - 4001A = $
[Surplus auction or used military airfield supply]

Controller
These are the main elements to consider before getting started. You can get full conversion kits and they generally start at $9K , [ without batteries], so if you go this route it will be a month or two before you break even on gas savings.

Ken, gets his conversion supplies from Canadian Electric Vehicles Ltd Errington B.C. here on Vancouver Island just inland from Parksvill up from Nanaimo.

http://www.canev.com/

http://www.docdockdocuments.com/conversion/ConversionIndex.htm

http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/photos/pgallery.php

Temptation, . . . Eh? = TG

Phoenix battery EV SUV

2007-06-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

. . . . [Owe them plenty . . Visit; AutoBlogGreen.com = Just the Best!]
Last week at their annual shareholders meeting battery developer Altairnano Technologies showed off the SUV version of the Phoenix Motor Cars truck. The fully enclosed version of the vehicle was available for meeting attendees to drive and most came away fairly impressed. In the Reno Gazette-Journal article, Phoenix's Bryon Bliss acknowledges that the vehicle itself is made by an Korean company he won't name.

For the record the Phoenix SUV is a Ssangyong Actyon. Ssangyong has been best known in markets where they sell for what can charitably be described as quirky styling. Fortunately the Actyon is among the most normal looking of their lineup. As for the battery powered variants from Phoenix there is really nothing new to report.

As for Altairnano, one of the main stumbling blocks that is probably preventing big carmakers from adopting their batteries is the issue of producing the batteries in large quantities at an affordable price. General Motors in particular is trying to create a vehicle based on the Volt by 2010 at 100,000+ unit volumes for a price of around $30,000 or less. At this point, that may not be possible with the Altairnano battery.

*87 Jeep Wagoneer still looks good

2007-05-28T20:40:00.001-07:00

This is a great 4 cyl. about town jeep with 238K. Just the thing for ease in the snow and the odd 4x4 venture on logging roads. The economical 4 cyl is not designed for freeway passing but you can stay in the right lane. I like the looks and did have the chance to sell it a couple of times when I was*nt in the mood, but now I am in the mood and have reduced it from $2900 to $2400 OBO.

I really want an Electric Vehicle, but like most people, just can not afford it right now. The Phoenix is $45,000. A bit rich but the EV motorbike is only $900 to $1400 and that may do for a short time. = TG
PS: The gas money saved will be a good down payment.

Prius Hybrid 52 MPG battery assist

2007-05-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Prices for a good used Prius are quite reasonable. Using one of the auto shopping finder service sites, you can use 98401 for a zip code and see what is selling from 11K to 22K in the WA area not too far south of Vancouver. BC.

Ideally, Evs like the Phoenix SUT [ Sport Utility Truck ], [Scroll down a few], are perfect since they allow you to remain mobile even when gas at the pumps is reserved, during a crisis, for police and emergency only.

A newer used Prius is an excellent interim choice. The money you save on gas can go toward a new EV, [ Electric Vehicle ] when they are easier to get.

Balkan Vehicle by Armet. . Weak?

2007-05-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is a real shell of safety, yet it could be made more secure if you think about it*s weak points.

[1] Blocking the exhaust = failure

[2] Intake air [ oxygen], substitute inert gas = failure

[3] Damage to cooling radiator = failure

[4] No gas or diesel = failure

There are more, but the point is BatteryPack operation avoids all these security weaknesses.

An on board biofuel 3 cyl 4 stroke genplant can extend the range anytime. . . . . Here are two Gurkhas by Armet.

Government t Gas or Hybrid compare pages

2007-05-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

For your next new car . . .
Canada Government Gives you great Info Value Free!

oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/pdfs/most-efficient-vehicles-2006.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/2cmz24
There are 12 car photos per page for each year from 1999 to 2007. Each photo and specs in order of gas efficiency.
============ Check the year page for your car
[Photo]
Honda Insight
1.0 L, 3 cylinder hybrid
5 speed manual
Annual Fuel Cost: $504
Annual Fuel Use: 720 L
CO2 Emissions/Year: 1728 kgTwo-
Fuel Consumption City: 3.9 L/100 km (72 mi./gal.) Hwy: 3.3 L/100 km (86 mi./gal.)

[Photo]
Volkswagen Jetta
TDI Diesel Wagon
1.9 L, 4 cylinder
5 speed manual
Annual Fuel Cost: $791
Annual Fuel Use: 1180 L
CO2 Emissions/Year: 3186 kg
Fuel Consumption City: 6.6 L/100 km (43 mi./gal.) Hwy: 5.2 L/100 km (54 mi./gal.)

[Photo]
Volkswagen New Beetle
TDI Diesel
1.9 L, 4 cylinder
5 speed manual
Annual Fuel Cost: $737
Annual Fuel Use: 1100 L
CO2 Emissions/Year: 2970 kg
Fuel Consumption City: 6.2 L/100 km (46 mi./gal.) Hwy: 4.6 L/100 km (61 mi./gal.)

[Photo]
Pontiac Vibe [When 35MPG standard arrives, all below this disqualified]
1.8 L, 4 cylinder
5 speed manual
Annual Fuel Cost: $980
Annual Fuel Use: 1400 L
CO2 Emissions/Year: 3360 kg
Fuel Consumption City: 7.9 L/100 km (36 mi./gal.) Hwy: 5.9 L/100 km (48 mi./gal.)

No need for hybrid unless you want bigger car w/ lower MPG. Most Hybrids are no gas = no go. To be free of gas pumps and sudden gas outs, you need an Electric Vehicle. [EV]

I like the Phoenix short box p/u EV.. Scroll down to white p/u photo. =TG

Toyota hybrid sport power Demon

2007-05-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

The June '07 print edition of Automobile casually drops a bit of a bombshell in page 30. They report that Toyota has given the FT-HS hybrid sports car the green light for production. You should remember the FT-HS concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, where it was one of the most significant unveilings. The Calty-designed production version will make its debut in 2009.

[Photo credit..thanks AutoBlogGreen. com ]

Battery powered EV enriches Pizza Guy

2007-05-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Domino's Pizza (The Official Pizza of NASCAR, btw) delivers piles of pizzas every day and probably burns several gallons of fuel, or at least pays their drivers to burn it. So going electric probably sounds pretty good to both the bean counters and the environmentalists.

We usually give a good size tip to the Pizza Guy. How much can he be making,.. right?
Well think again. If his vehicle never stops at the gas pump, he makes a decent income.

Further more, if he has shares in his EV maker*s company or in the AltairNanosafe Battery firm, then the Pizza Guy is likely to buy the apartment building he delivers to eventually.
Battery powered EVs do save you from financial abuse at the pumps.

Photo Credit & some copy = Thanks to AutoblogGreen.com
[Visit this Website!]

EV Battery Charge Range Compared

2007-05-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Remember, that while 250 miles can seem limited at first glance, every last owner of the 135 mile range EV1 loved their EV and would have bought it from GM if GM had allowed sales instead of reclaiming them all back off lease.

EV - Altairnano lithium titinate battery talk

2007-05-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is the new Phoenix SUT, [Sport Utility Truck], using the quick-charge AltairNanoSafe battery pack.

Charging forward in Exponential times with the latest battery talk . .

Between AltairNanosafe battery and AutoBlogGreen

AG: we have developed a new class of electrode materials that are used in lithium ion batteries. And it's analogous to what was done with the nickel-based batteries 20 or so years ago when metal hydride electrode materials replaced cadmium in nickel cadmium batteries to produce what's called nickel metal hydride batteries. And we're doing something similar with our nano structure ceramic materials where we produce a lithium titanate material that's used to replace graphite that's conventionally used in conventional lithium ion batteries and as a result we have a new class of batteries that we call nanotitanate to reflect the new electrode material.

Now, these batteries have almost unbelievable performance in that they can be recharged very rapidly. Depending upon the power supply, we can recharge these batteries in less than a minute.

In large format that would power, say, a full sized all electric vehicle that carries five adults. Those battery packs can be recharged in less than ten minutes.

These are not souped-up golf carts. These vehicles can break loose the tires from a standing start, accelerate to speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour, even though that's higher than the speed limits of American roads.

The batteries have tremendous life, estimated to be in the range of 12 to 15 years, or about the design life of the vehicle. And importantly, these batteries can operate at minus 50 Centigrade to plus 75 Centigrade, or 165 Fahrenheit. It's unusual battery technology and the technology's been validated by third parties.

AG: We have been talking with Zap and Lotus and yes, Zap has, aspirations to use the Altair technology in their vehicle. And we're in discussion around the commercial terms of that agreement. Just a comment if I may, Sam. I'm not aware of anyone who has battery technology similar to Altairnano's NanoSafe battery performance.

ABG: Right. That's why I asked the question the way I did. Essentially your company are the only ones that would fit into the description of what Zap has given for what they expect their vehicle to do.

AG: Well, I'm sure that Steven is, Steven Schneider, the CEO of Zap, he's been quite interested in the Altairnano technology for some time. we've had extensive discussions with Steven and his team and I think he's quite excited about the Altair nanotechnology and what it can do for the Zap vehicle.

ABG: Well, it's definitely very exciting technology, and I'm looking forward to actually seeing it in, in real vehicles in the real world. speaking of which, are you also, working with any other car makers besides Phoenix and potentially Zap, at this point?

AG: Yes, we are. We have several programs, the one that we've talked the most about is our program with Alcoa where we're working on a joint program to provide hybrid electric battery packs that would be used in medium duty hybrid electric trucks.

These are parcel delivery trucks and route trucks. We do have some other programs with other automotive OEMs and truck manufacturers, but we've not really disclose those yet, but we'll be saying something about that the second quarter of 2007.
================ AutoBlogGreen.com
=TG

Tesla EV auto Stores coming

2007-05-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Since initial sales volumes will be relatively low, and very little maintenance is required with an electric car, they won't need as many stores at first.

Initially there will be five customer centers opening up in 2007 in the strongest markets for the Roadster. After that, more will be added over the next two years in preparation for the launch of WhiteStar.

Tesla Marketing VP Darryl Siry confirmed that they have selected a location in Los Angeles and are scouting locations in the Bay Area, Chicago and New York. The Miami area is another likely launch location for the Roadster, since it's a natural market for sports cars. After launching the Roadster, they will move into other secondary markets like Seattle, Boston and Atlanta.
============= Borrowed under kindness and tolerance of: AutoBlogGreen.com
= TG

EV Electric Vehicle vs Hydrogen

2007-04-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

GM Flex EV $30K to $60K ? and no fuel to buy.

[Both photo credits: AutoBlog.com]

GM Flex Hydrogen One Million Dollars and what does fuel cost?

This seems like a no brainer. Looks like the EV is a shoe-in. One has to wonder about hydrogen when storage is such a challenge at 5000 psi.= TG

Hybrid vehicle, Battery plug-in [EV] or Bio-fuel car?

2007-04-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hybrid vehicle, Battery plug-in [EV] or Corn gas car?

With an EV, you will be able to drive scott-free for a limited time. Governments are devising ways to extract road taxes from highways users who do not buy gas or diesel. The following 10 comments debate should quickly bring you up to speed and help you decide what to drive.

I foresee a time when EV owners may be required to drive through a kiosk and pay a mileage tax in order to support highways the way fossil car owners do.

Do not miss your gas tax holiday. Try to enjoy that EV or even a compromise hybrid soon. The following may help you choose your next ride.

This exchange from the comments at: Autobloggreen.com [ A Great Blogsite BTW ]

(Page 1)
1. Corn...does a car good. I wish all cars would go green.
Posted at 11:58PM on Apr 27th 2007 by Steve Shickles

2. Well,
now that the public understands the difference between corn and cellulosic ethanol, it's time to complicate it again. There's two forms of cellulosic ethanol: 1)Enzyme, which you just mentioned and 2) Gasification, such as what the DOE just funded and you covered.

Gasification involves burning the biomass in the absence of oxygen, and taking the resulting "syngas" and converting it into liquid through the Fischer Tropsch process. Gasification will produce much more ethanol because it is more flexible. MIT claims they can convert Municipal Solid Waste into ethanolwith that process for $.10-.95/gallon. They further state that there is enough MSW to replace 25% of the gasoline we consume today. This is the technology that will truly take ethanol to the nest level.

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18084/

http://www.energy.gov/news/4827.htm
Posted at 8:44AM on Apr 28th 2007 by Rick

3. Once an EV battery pack is made, it requires only charging for its 10 year life, or 12 year life. [ AltairNano Ca.]

Biofuel, on the other hand requires ...

Land and cultivation
Labour for processing
BTUs for processing
Trucking of crop
Trucking of waste
Trucking of finished fuel product
Blending and pumping of product
All this on a daily basis

Not to mention the required ICEngine and all the cooling, ignition and exhaust systems that requires.

Biofuels must be a short term stop gap measure. = TG
Posted at 12:31PM on Apr 28th 2007 by TG

4. Corn derived biofuels are vastly more expensive than we may realize.

How practical is a fuel source that creates dietary and financial hardship for millions of Mexicans and South Americans who rely on the corn tortilla staple food?

What is the true price of corn based fuel when it pushes up the price of beef and hogs?

Fools rush in.. eh? = TG

Posted at 12:58PM on Apr 28th 2007 by TG

5. TG,
2 points.

I agree with your assessment of Altair. I am a stockholder and major advocat. And the nanosafe could displace 80% of the gasoline mileage today. I hope a major battery manufacturer buys them out soon, for, maybe $10/share. ;-) But there will be a need for ethanol for years because of heavy transport, trucks, etc even if all cars become electric only.

However, the jobs, labor, land, etc that you talk about for biofuels as a negative is actually a positive. Up until now, it has been impossible for small farms to compete with commercial farms in the production of food crops. Now, with prices at this level, farmers all over the world are back tilling the soil and growing much more food than they consume and the rest will be sold for fuel. Net effect? Jobs, jobs, and more jobs in countries all around the world for farms and all the products in that commercial chain such as tractors, fertilizer, etc, etc.

This is only the first crop year since prices have gone up. The Agriculture Dept released crop figures in late March and 16% more cropland went for corn than last year. Even more, the "setaside acreage", the land the govt has been paying farmers not to produce, is going back into production now, slowly. There were something like 30 million of those acreas last year. Fewer subsidies, more crops, more money flowing in the economy, everybody benefits.

Trust the free market system a little more. The laws of supply and demand really do work. We are just spoiled by cheap energy and food prices. In fact, the corn crop i mentioned, which was up 16%, only takes us back up to WWII levels of production. The gov't has been trying to slow down production of crops for decades because they were driving prices through the floor with excess production. Farmers are revving up and it is very good for the economy. Worldwide.

Do you really believe all those people in S America are going to starve when all they have to do is plant some corn, eat well and sell the excess for some extra jingle?
Posted at 3:57PM on Apr 28th 2007 by Rick

6. TG,
Go back to my original post and factor in 1)the MIT MSW-to-ethanol scenario along with the 2)AltairNanoSafe battery(or any other battery that will get the consumer 60miles/day of gasoline free driving) and:

1)The MIT proposal displaces 25% of gasoline consumed today with ethanol from garbage.

2) Since 80% of all drivers go less than 60 miles/day, the Nanosafe(or any other equal battery) would eliminate a corresponding amount of gasoline consumed.

If this country set out to implement ONLY THESE TWO EFFORTS, you could make a case for an American economy that eliminates the purchase of all offshore oil. And since we import about 20m bbls/day, that is a $1.2Billion/day impact on this economy!

The terrorists have a window of only about 5-7 years to disrupt our economy by taking out Saudi Arabian oil or other significant sources.

Now, we only replace about 6% of all automobiles each year so my outlook is optomistic, admittedly, but i believe it is an accurate prescription of what COULD BE DONE, it we set about it.

Posted at 4:59PM on Apr 28th 2007 by Rick

7. Rick,

There are always two sides to every debate and you filled out the picture in excellent form.

There are conditions in flux having to do with agra-corporations, and manipulative wholesalers, where some of the good things you outline may fade somewhat.

In any case the people in the stands here will make their own conclusions shaded by our input.
Posted at 6:15PM on Apr 28th 2007 by TG

8. Our underlying motives are the same.

To make North America able to function without the need for very much ME oil.

To devalue oil to a more realistic level and deprive Acmahdinejad of the means to build a nuclear reserve. [ The Russians are annoyed with his *Slow pay* policy now]

To enable the good people of Iran to take back their country from extremest Islamofascists. [ unemployment is high - economy is rough.]

=========== That part so we live a bit longer.

To free ourselves from the gas pump and it*s uncertainties.

To free ourselves from the old fashioned ICEngine and all the attached energy wasting systems.
[No anti-freeze. Fewer animals will die.]

To free ourselves from the stench of gasoline, the exhaust poisons and the volatile risk.

To breath cleaner air. [ Clean coal tech for gen plants in China, India, Asia and North America would do vastly more, however.]

Full steam.. er. NanoSafe batteries ahead. I can*t wait. = TG
Posted at 6:23PM on Apr 28th 2007 by TG

9. #3
TG, you fail to mention that to charge the EV battery pack someone needs to mine coal, uranium or drill for natural gas. Also, recall that coal and nuclear power plants are far less efficient than combined cycle plants fueled by natural gas. Natural gas which is in short supply in North America.

While a handful of persons may charge an EV with solar power, that is far from economically viable or practical in large numbers. I think it will be far easier to have biofuels meet most of our transportation needs than to generate trillions of kWh from renewable sources.

#4
Ethanol production from yellow field corn does not impact tortilla production from white corn. This myth has been discussed extensively.
Posted at 12:27AM on Apr 29th 2007 by Jimmy

10. Even though some grid power is provided by coal plant generation, it is far more efficient to tap the grid rather than have millions of power plants scooting about on four wheels.

There is capacity in the NA grid to support the overnight charging of 180 million EVs without stressing the system.

Air conditioners are far more demanding. That*s why there can be brown-outs during a heat wave.

Posted at 2:49AM on Apr 29th 2007 by TG

EVs Hybrid Electric Vehicles and the Grid

2007-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

[Photo Credit = Autoblog.com photo gallery]

Tony...just what is being used to produce all that electricity to recharge these wonderful electric cars? The Good Fairy?
Posted by: Justthinkin at April 25, 2007 6:08 AM

We'll need nuclear power for the extra electricity.
Posted by: Belisarius at April 25, 2007 10:12 AM

[ Discussion from SmallDeadAnimals blogsite ]

Justthinkin and Belisarius,

Too easy.

There is overnight recharge capacity in the grid for 180,000,000 electric vehicles without stress to the grid.

Air conditioners are far more demanding. That*s why there are brown outs in a heat wave.
Air conditioners are becoming much more energy efficient, much as the new refrigerators are.

Some hybrids like the new Ford Escape may not require plug-in at all. The battery pack is kept up through braking and downhill, or coasting.

The solar panel auto roof will be practical soon. Plug-in demand will become minimal or not required at all.

Just think. You go to work or the beach and your EV battery reserve is down to 25%. When its time to go home, the solar roof has you back up to 75%. Ain*t tech great?= TG
Posted by: TonyGuitar at April 25, 2007 12:49 PM