The Age of Electric Cars is finally coming. Despite a stutter back in the late 90s when electric vehicle (EV) development came and went spurred by the passage and elimination of California zero emission policies, electric vehicles have come back. And if author James Billmaier is correct, in his book “JOLT! The Impending Dominance of the Electric Car,” they are …
Is the Age of Electric Vehicles Finally Upon Us?
The LA Auto Show took place last week and several of the hottest cars were electric vehicles (EVs). On display were the much anticipated Chevy Volt along with its current biggest competitor the Nissan Leaf. According to Chevy, the Volt will be available sometime this year for pre-order and manufacturing will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2011. Once …
Pennsylvania Awards $8M For Energy Projects
The federal government may be dragging its heels on passing energy tax incentives but at least several states are not. Earlier this week Iowa announced several awards for energy projects and now Pennsylvania is doing the same. Governor Edward Rendell, through the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant Program, has awarded 21 projects funds for a total just shy of $8 million. …
What’s Next for Alternative Energy?
Many reports in the past year have come out and determined that alternative energy such as wind and solar will have a major impact by 2030. However, in a new report released today, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) says that the impact could happen sooner than others predict. “What’s Next for Alternative Energy?” examines seven influential and promising alternative energy …
CEC Awards $9.6M in Energy Grants
Good news today for several California biofuel producers. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved eight grants worth more than $9.6 million along with $11,969,855 in private funds. Each winning project demonstrated its ability to reduce petroleum use, reduce pollution and provide jobs. The categories of industry that were eligible for funding included biofuels, manufacturers of electric vehicles and batteries, …
Book Review – Power Hungry
You may remember Robert Bryce from his book, “Gusher of Lies,” Bryce is back with his new book, “Power Hungry.” I shouldn’t have liked this book – his last one made me angry. I should have stopped reading after the introduction – he made his point of the book very clear. But I read the entire book and believe it …
Is Clean Diesel a New Alternative Fuel?
There is a surge of new diesel vehicles entering the U.S. market place in response to the need for better fuel economy along with lower fuel emissions. The diesel industry has been promoting low diesel fuels, and in some cases, diesel fuel has been labeled an “advanced fuel.” For example, Rentech has created a diesel fuel called RenDiesel that can …
Take A Ride On A Solar Tram
Tourists who visit Pelican Bay, one of Florida’s premier beachfront communities, will now be transported via solar trams. The Pelican Bay Foundation, which owns 43 acres of parks, recreation areas, beachfront facilities and boardwalks, has officially converted their resident transportation trams system to solar/electric vehicles provided by Eco Trans Alliance of Sarasota, Florida. Per year, an annual tram logs 25,000 …
Biodiesel to Power Fuel Cells for Electric Vehicles
Biodiesel could be the fuel that charges fuel cells for electric vehicles. ScienceDaily reports Norwegian company Nordic Power Systems (NPS) has developed a silent generator that works with California-based SAFCell Inc.’s new fuel cell using a smart diesel reformer and a tolerant fuel cell and could contend for the market in generators in electric vehicles: This combination of two advanced …
Cruise Car Rolls Out Solar Electric Car
Have an inkling to cruise around town in a fuel efficient car? Then check out the new ‘All American’ line of 15 solar electric Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) developed by Cruise Car, Inc. The cars are manufactured in the U.S. and use up to 50 percent recycled or certified re-manufactured parts and materials. The LSV line cars are constructed with …