China choking on air pollution from fossil fuels

So much for the myth of "clean coal", eh?

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-sun-a-fossil-fuels/1142

E-Bike News: City Trike, So. Cal E-Bike Tours, E-Mtb’s, Pedal Promotions & More! [VIDEO]

City Trike is a new start up that is offering 3 different styles of pedal/electric trikes; The City Trike Cargo, The City Trike 2Go, and the City Trike Taxi. These are designed with weather protection canopies, cargo carrying capacity, 250 watt to 750 watt front hub motors (depending on the market), easily swappable 48 Volt [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/e-bike-news-city-trike-so-cal-e-bike-tou

Yokohama Trip Part 1

http://daveinolywa.blogspot.com/2013/01/yokohama-trip-part-1.htm

Hydrogen Fuel Cells in 60 Seconds | Fully Charged

Robert Llewellyn discovers how Hydrogen Fuel Cells actually work. WATCH FULL EPISODE @ bit.ly LIKE Fully Charged on Facebook @ fb.me Fully Charged Podcast on iTunes @ bit.ly A huge thanks to James Courtney from the University of Birmingham, for taking the time to tell us about Hydrogen fuel cells. ABOUT FULLY CHARGED: Fully Charged is an online show hosted by Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge, Carpool), sponsored by British Gas: Looking After Your World. During this series, Robert will discuss why we need to change how we think about energy consumption now. He will be taking a look at the newest electric cars available on the market [Volvo, Ford, Peugeot, Renault & Nissan] and also different forms of renewable energy [Wind and Solar].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgQjIDtYw2g&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: fullychargedshow

Did Ford Hybrid Sales Drop Dramatically in January 2013?

It looks likely but I may be reading too much into tonight’s press release.  Ford issued a press release tonight, “Ford Achieves All-Time High Hybrid Share and Toyota Slides, as Fusion Hybrid Closes in on Another Sales Record.”  Ford notes … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=243

Tesla Model S kicks some Dodge Viper butt

Predictably, the gas Neanderthals [maybe I should pull a GM and trademark this term ;-)] are claiming this video (above) showing a Tesla Model S leaving a Dodge Viper in the dust is a farce, that it's a so-called case of "sandbagging", meaning an allegedly incompotent driver of the gasoline powered Viper not doing the Viper justice.

And, I'm oh SOOO sure that the critics could FOR SURE do so much better than this driver because they're way more "manly" than him, right? (Sorry, to me, it really does seem as if this is ultimately all about a misplaced and outdated macho notion in which the old "stickshift" car ends up taking a backseat to the "feminine", one-gear EV, thereby offending some folks' ridiculous and narrow sense of "manliness").

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-evs-a-phevs/1141-tesla-

Guide to “Fat” Electric Bikes

What is a “fat” electric bike?  Well it’s basically the monster truck of the electric bike world! These “fat” e-bikes generally have tires that are 4+ inches wide and they are designed to handle all sorts of terrain like snow, sand, rough trails, the urban jungle (curbs, stairs) and anything else you can think of. [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/fat-electric-bikes

Kiplinger: Ford C-Max Hybrid “A Best Value” and Energi “Most Fuel-Efficient Wagon”

Kiplinger praised the Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi recently.  The Ford C-Max Hybrid won in the ten best values for new 2013 car models.  The hybrid won out of 1,693  2013 models based on performance, value, safety and Kiplinger’s driving … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=222

“Battery Power Management for Portable Devices” (Yevgen Barsukov and Jinrong Qian) , review

It has been my great pleasure to read a pre-release version of the book “Battery Power Management for Portable Devices“, by TI scientists Yevgen Barsukov and Jinrong Qian, and to then write a foreword for it. The book will come … Continue reading →

http://liionbms.com/blog/2013/01/battery-power-management-for-portable

Europe Sets Common Standard for Electric Vehicle Charging

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/europe-sets-common-standard-

Unlike Dreamliner battery, Elithion batteries are safe

The only way that a battery manufacturer can insure the safety of a battery is if a switch is included in the battery and the BMS has full control of that switch. The Li-ion batteries in the Dreamliner do include … Continue reading →

http://liionbms.com/blog/2013/01/unlike-dreamliner-battery-elithion-ba

What Floor Mats Are Available for the Ford C-Max?

                    Answer:  WeatherTech makes the FloorLiner DigitalFit Mat for the C-Max Hybrid and Energi.  It’s available in black, tan or gray for $99.95 for the first row only and $179.90 for the … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=220

Maine Ski Resort Add EV Charging

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/maine-ski-resort-add-ev-char

Is An Engine Block Heater Available for The C-Max?

Answer: Maybe.  It’s listed as an option on page 176 of the manual.  MotorTrend lists an engine block heater as a $35 option for any C-Max Hybrid or Energi but for fleet sales only.  It’s not listed as an option at the Ford.com … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=218

Canadian Incentives for the Ford C-Max Energi

In the US there is the Federal Tax Credit of $3751 for the C-Max Energi and various state tax credits for California, New York, and many other states.  Our Canadian neighbors have various incentives to buy or lease a C-Max … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=217

EV + solar PV delivers $300k of ‘sunny money’

During the past six years, my wife Julie and I have generated 60 megawatt hours of electricity with our 7.5 kW home solar system – and we’ve driven more than 60,000 of what SolarChargedDriving.Com calls Sun Miles®, meaning miles driven by an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) whose batteries have been charged using solar energy and/or using electricity from kWh credits amassed via solar offset generation.

Differently put, for the past six years, we’ve owned our own solar micro power plant.

By July of 2012, the $30,000 we spent on our solar PV system was completely recovered by the savings in utility and gasoline cost.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/news/scd-editorials/1140-ev-solar-pv-de

Transport Evolved Episode 135: Mark’s Ex

Join Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield and Mark Chatterley from Zero Carbon World, and guest Mark Webb-Johnson from the Open Vehicle Monitoring System project as they discuss the week’s news in the world of electric cars, including the latest developments from the Open Vehicle Monitoring System, the reduced-price 2012 Nissan Leaf in the UK, Chevy’s latest Volt social media advertising and much more. [...]

audio/mpeg http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TransportEvolvedAudio/~5/TvF28eDPqzI/TransportEvolvedEpisode135MarksEx.mp3

http://www.transportevolved.com/2013/01/transport-evolved-episode-135-

Texting and driving like playing Russian roulette

Imagine losing a loved one or a friend in a car accident caused by someone else who was texting/surfing while driving. Imagine being severely injured by such a driver -- and losing all of your life savings to medical bills you never expected you'd have to pay that resulted from someone else's irresponsibility and selfishness.

That's what happened to people interviewed for this powerful video segment (see video embedded at top of this entry) on Rock Center with Brian Williams about the texting/surfing while driving epidemic. Its an epidemic that's killing thousands of people and injuring hundreds of thousands every year in the United States.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-driving/1139-texting-an

ecolog.com - EcoLog Environment News and Environment Legislation and Health and Safety News and Health and Safety Legislation - - 1/25/2013

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/ecologcom-ecolog-environment

Germany has better approach to solar than U.S.

There's not much more to add to this 'infographic' that came across my Facebook newsfeed recently: Germany, with a national feed-in tariff tilted toward individual solar installations, is leaps and bounds ahead of the U.S on solar.

And, as this infographic notes -- and, as I, myself, have noted in previous blog entries, there's plenty of irony in this fact.

After all, the U.S. likes to cast itself as the world leader in free-market-ism and the biggest champion of the small (business) guy. But when it comes to electricity production, we're all about helping the big guys and utility monopolies, or just the opposite of what's going on in "socialist" Germany.

Go figure...

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-going-solar/1138-german

E-Bike News: OT Elf on Today Show, E-Bike Freeway, Dartmoor Tour, E-Road Bike? [VIDEOS]

E-bike design concepts, video of the Emotion Neo Jumper full suspension e-mountain bike, Chinese e-bike production slows, and more!

http://electricbikereport.com/e-bike-news-ot-elf-on-today-show-e-bike-

The C-Max MPG Saga Continues

Many owners of the C-Max Hybrid have reported lower than the EPA mpg for the C-Max Hybrid, a story I first wrote about in November.  The ConsumerReports tests brought it to the attention of the media in December.  McCuneWright LLP, the same … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=167

Leaving the Car Behind: Making Cities Walkable

In communities across the country, a movement is growing to make neighborhoods more walkable and to encourage local residents to get out of their cars and use alternative means of transportation. Smart growth solutions support businesses and jobs, provide more options for how people get around and make it more affordable to live near work and the grocery store. Learn how a community's walkability factor relates directly to a healthier, more physically active population, and more sustainable and enjoyable lifestyles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itOn8mPOlDc&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: everybodywalk

Does the Ford C-Max Have a Spare Tire?

No.  The Ford C-Max joins many cars that are being sold without spare tires (“Automakers leave nothing to spare” in the LA Times).  It has what Ford calls a “Temporary Mobility Kit”.  This kit includes a compressor and canister with … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=210

Renewables increase most…again !

Renewables surged in 2012, according to FERC report Nathanael Massey, E&E reporter Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Nearly half of all the new electrical generating capacity installed in the United States in 2012 came from renewable energy sources, according to … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=102

Masdar City in 60 Seconds | Fully Charged

Robert Llewellyn visits Masdar City, a city fully sustainable on green energy. WATCH FULL EPISODE @ bit.ly LIKE Fully Charged on Facebook @ fb.me Fully Charged Podcast on iTunes @ bit.ly Masdar City is a project in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Its core is a planned city, which is being built by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, with the majority of seed capital provided by the government of Abu Dhabi. Designed by the British architectural firm Foster and Partners, the city will rely entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, with a sustainable, zero-carbon, zero-waste ecology. ABOUT FULLY CHARGED: Fully Charged is an online show hosted by Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge, Carpool), sponsored by British Gas: Looking After Your World. During this series, Robert will discuss why we need to change how we think about energy consumption now. He will be taking a look at the newest electric cars available on the market [Volvo, Ford, Peugeot, Renault & Nissan] and also different forms of renewable energy [Wind and Solar].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCAB0g55lQw&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: fullychargedshow

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Coming On Line in Cleveland

Hydrogen powered vehicles can convert hydrogen into mechanical energy in two ways, through combusting the fuel to create power at the wheels or converting the hydrogen to electricity through a fuel cell, which sends the power to an electric motor.  So while technically, you don’t need to plug in a fuel cell electric vehicle, it [...]

http://www.onelectriccars.com/hydrogen-fuel-cell-buses-coming-on-line-

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid: What’s New, What’s Better, and What Needs Work

When one thinks of hybrid vehicles these days, Ford is at the top of the list.  When you are a company that is going up against some strong contenders (i.e. Toyota, Honda, etc.), you need to pack the power that it takes to come out on top.  Ford dealerships now offer the 2013 Ford Fusion [...]

http://www.onelectriccars.com/the-2013-ford-fusion-hybrid-whats-new-wh

Enjoy a More Comfortable E-Bike Ride with a Suspension Seatpost!

Are you looking for a way to smooth out the road and enjoy a more comfortable ride on your electric bike? If so, you may want to check out a suspension seatpost as a way to economically add a little bit of rear suspension to your bike. A suspension seatpost replaces your existing seatpost and [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/suspension-seatpost

Boeing Dreamliner Li-ion battery fire

The entire fleet of Boeing Dreamliner aircrafts is grounded, because of a fire in a Lithium-ion battery. What do we know about the cause of that fire? The cells: LPV65, made by GS Yuasa. Small prismatic, metal case, safety vents … Continue reading →

http://liionbms.com/blog/2013/01/boeing-dreamliner-li-ion-battery-fire

More Than 1.8 Million Plug-In Electric Vehicles Will Be Sold in the Largest 102 U.S. Cities From 201 - DailyFinance

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/more-than-18-million-plug-in

FCEV vs. BEV … The debate continues

I have been involved in several long debates within the alternative energy community about the advantages and disadvantages of both FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) ans BEV’s (battery electric vehicle) I want to make a quick post with the important factors of both of these systems, and their applications in the real world. In sence [...]

http://experimentalev.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/fcev-vs-bev

Solar-charged EV 'heavies' will rule the future

Back in June of 2012, I wrote about the development of Electric Vehicles (EVs) here in Paris via the Autolib car share program.

Since then, and in talking with many friends here in France about EVs, I have almost without exception encountered the pushback question: “Yes, Albert, but isn’t electric driving just all about driving around in those little toy sized cars”?

Presented with this question, I have had to invariably (until now) concede that most EV models I had knowledge about (other than the Tesla Roadster) tended towards small, low-powered, lightweight frames.

Frankly, I just hadn’t heard much about the big wheel, or “heavy” EVs. I kept telling myself, however, that surely the EV + PV model had to have applications and examples in the larger vehicle, that is, the “heavy” category.

So I set out to look for them. And I must say that I was pleasantly surprised I did not have to go very far to find examples here in France to dismiss this myth.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/news/solar-charged-driving/1137-solar-c

Happy Birthday LEAF; Going To Yokohama!

http://daveinolywa.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-birthday-leaf-going-to-y

We Visit C-Max Heaven to Find a Panoramic Sunroof

We had a free day in California when visiting my son in Martinez.  I got out the Edmunds iPhone App and searched for inventory.  A dealership in Fairfield had more than a dozen C-Max vehicles – I found C-Max heaven. … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=1

Transport Evolved Episode 134. Kale Eating Overlord

Join Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield and Mark Chatterley from Zero Carbon World, and guest Chelsea Sexton as they discuss the week’s news in the world of electric cars, including the latest woes for Fisker and Coda, the 2013 NAIAS, Bob Lutz’ latest truck, and much more. Full show notes available here. Subscribe to the show via iTunes, Youtube or Blip.tv This show is sponsored [...]

http://www.transportevolved.com/2013/01/transport-evolved-episode-134-

CBO | Effects of Federal Tax Credits for the Purchase of Electric Vehicles

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/cbo-effects-of-federal-tax-c

Ford C-Max Hybrid Crash Testing

There are two groups that test vehicles for safety in the U.S.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, NHTSA, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS.  The results of the NHTSA tests are found at the Safercar website.  The … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=203

Car Sharing in 60 Seconds | Fully Charged

Robert Llewellyn checks out car sharing schemes in Berlin, Germany. WATCH FULL EPISODE @ bit.ly LIKE Fully Charged on Facebook @ fb.me Fully Charged Podcast on iTunes @ bit.ly Robert Llewellyn speaks with Collaborative Mobility Expert Mark Kudling about 'Car2Go' & 'DriveNow' car sharing schemes in Germany. Car2Go's Corporate Communications Manager Andreas Leo then provides some insight on prices, stats and future plans for the company. Although we have some car sharing schemes in the UK, the ones in Germany do not required customers to book in advanced, providing freedom to pick them up and drop them off anywhere within the city area. The long term plan of these schemes is to fade out petrol cars and to replace them with electric cars. Mark Kudling's website: kudling.com Car Sharing schemes www.drive-now.com http www.flinkster.de ABOUT FULLY CHARGED: Fully Charged is an online show hosted by Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge, Carpool), sponsored by British Gas: Looking After Your World. During this series, Robert will discuss why we need to change how we think about energy consumption now. He will be taking a look at the newest electric cars available on the market [Volvo, Ford, Peugeot, Renault & Nissan] and also different forms of renewable energy [Wind and Solar].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXsQFJ3JG7w&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: fullychargedshow

The Gift of Walking

Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO George C. Halvorson discusses the gift of walking. Discover how walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help reduce the rate of diabetes, strokes, heart disease, hypertension and more. The benefits of walking are good for all, and can also help combat breast and prostate cancer. Beyond the physical benefits, walking can have a major positive impact on depression by creating positive neurochemicals. And you don't have to be a regular at the gym to get the benefits. You can fit walking into your daily routine and experience the benefits with shorter walks throughout the day. The benefits are multiple--and it's easy and free to do. Walking is our gift. Walking is our strength. Walking makes us strong. So let's walk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce0yxolt0Cw&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: everybodywalk

Offshore wind turbines may come to MD

If the Gov’s bill passes this year.

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=102

E-Bike News: E-Kid Trailer, SBA & Electric Bikes, E-Trikes, E-Bike Skeptics? [VIDEO]

Lots of electric bike news this week! Make sure you checkout what is happening in the world of 2 and 3 wheeled electric mobility.

http://electricbikereport.com/e-bike-news-e-kid-trailer-sba-electric-b

The Gift of Walking

Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO George C. Halvorson discusses the gift of walking. Discover how walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help reduce the rate of diabetes, strokes, heart disease, hypertension and more. The benefits of walking are good for all, and can also help combat breast and prostate cancer. Beyond the physical benefits, walking can have a major positive impact on depression by creating positive neurochemicals. And you don't have to be a regular at the gym to get the benefits. You can fit walking into your daily routine and experience the benefits with shorter walks throughout the day. The benefits are multiple--and it's easy and free to do. Walking is our gift. Walking is our strength. Walking makes us strong. So let's walk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze0EftlRy0E&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: everybodywalk

12 Volt Battery Management; Part 2

http://daveinolywa.blogspot.com/2013/01/12-volt-battery-management-par

Virginia Makes an End Run Around Gas Taxes - The Daily Beast

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/virginia-makes-end-run-aroun

Ford C-Max Facebook Page vs Toyota Prius

Toyota and Ford have Facebook pages for the Prius and C-Max.  The Prius page joined Facebook May 3, 2009.  The C-Max page started two years later on June 16, 2011.  The C-Max page appears to be focused on the C-Max Hybrid/Energi.  The … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=116

National Grid in 60 Seconds | Fully Charged

Robert Llewellyn visits the National Grid to find out what it's all about! WATCH FULL EPISODE @ bit.ly LIKE Fully Charged on Facebook @ fb.me Fully Charged Podcast on iTunes @ bit.ly The National Grid is a high-voltage electric power transmission network, connecting power stations and 340+ substations ensuring supply and demand is in the balance. Nigel Williams speaks to Robert Llewellyn about how the National Grid works in Great Britain, and what challenges it faces with the rapidly changing world. ABOUT FULLY CHARGED: Fully Charged is an online show hosted by Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf, Scraphead Challenge, Carpool), sponsored by British Gas: Looking After Your World. During this series, Robert will discuss why we need to change how we think about energy consumption now. He will be taking a look at the newest electric cars available on the market [Volvo, Ford, Peugeot, Renault & Nissan] and also different forms of renewable energy [Wind and Solar].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIxSaUXfbyM&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: fullychargedshow

Most Viewed YouTube Car Commercials of 2012

Although this doesn’t have much to do with the Ford C-Max, it puts the blog on “86,759 Views for All Ford C-Max Ads on YouTube” into perspective. Volkswagen, “The Bark Side”, Views 18,009,874 Honda CR-V, “Matthew’s Day Off”, Views 16,487,428 … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=171

Is a big EV battery pack inefficient?

My previous entry, in which I argue that the extra range of the Tesla Model S, in particular that of the Model S with the 85 kWh battery pack, is its single most important advantage, has sparked some interesting conversation on Facebook.

Not surprisingly, a couple of folks have correctly suggested that not everyone needs 200+ miles of EV range and that, furthermore, the 70 or so miles a LEAF can consistently get you (some folks have indicated to me that the LEAF barely squeaks out 50 miles of range when driven in cold conditions), is perfectly okay for them.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-evs-a-phevs/1136-is-a-b

MyNissanLEAF forums on malware blacklist – site possibly hacked

Sometime during Tuesday afternoon a third party Nissan LEAF forum, mynissanleaf.com got placed on a blacklist for malicious websites. Both Firefox and Google Chrome are advising against visiting the website. Visiting the website using Internet Explorer is NOT blocked, however … Continue reading →

http://jpwhitenissanleaf.com/2013/01/15/mynissanleaf-forums-on-malware

Public Charging; An Owner's Perspective

http://daveinolywa.blogspot.com/2013/01/public-charging-owners-perspec

Built Ford Tough C-Max Loses to Dodge Ram 1500

The Ford C-Max was voted by journalists on the 2013 North American Truck of the Year Jury as one of three finalists for the award.  Yesterday, the same journalists chose the Dodge Ram 1500 over the Ford C-Max.  Did they … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=171

86,759 Views for All Ford C-Max Ads on YouTube

This blog continues to monitor the success of Ford C-Max ads on YouTube.   I posted the first blog on Ford C-Max ads on October 18th, 2012.  The follow-up data was taken on November 15th, December 15th 2012, and January 15th, 2013. There … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=111

San Diego Kilowatt Hour – Electric Bike Group Rides!

This is a guest post from Turbo Bob! Yes, San Diego is a hot spot for bikes. So of course, it’s even hotter for E-bikes. With many E-bike shops here in town, and several of the major E-bike companies headquartered here or nearby in Orange County and Los Angeles, you know they are popular. Ever [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/san-diego-kilowatt-hour-electric-bike-gr

Ford C-Max Loses Truck of the Year to Dodge Ram 1500

The Ford C-Max was among three finalists for the North American Truck/Utility vehicle of the year award at the Detroit Auto Show.  The Dodge Ram 1500 won over the C-Max and Mazda CX-5.  With a tow hitch, the C-Max cannot pull … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=166

A Ford C-Max Bike Rack with a Hitch

The European C-Max includes an option for a trailer hitch.  The C-Max manual for the Hybrid and Energi sold in the U.S. warns against towing but also includes two references to towing a trailer.  On page 243, it states: “WARNING: Never tow a trailer with this vehicle. Your … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=166

Range superiority biggest advantage of Model S

So, as you may have noticed, my brother stole the EV + PV thunder at our home recently, zipping down from Boulder to Aurora, Colo. with his family in their brand new Tesla Model S to become the first EV to directly plug into sunshine at our home.

More than three years ago when I started SolarChargedDriving.Com, I kind of figured we, ourselves, would be the first to plug an EV into PV -- which we put on our home in June 2010, 5.59 kW worth of it to be exact -- here. But it wasn't to be thanks to unexpected circumstances that cropped up for us a little over a year ago.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-ev-pv/1135-range-superi

iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Mobile Apps for C-Max

Apps for C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi MyFord Touch Guide (MFT Guide) app.  [FREE, iPad, iPhone and Android] MFT Guide emulates the user experience for MyFord Touch with SYNC.  This app is an informative way to learn the basics and … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=62

Two scientists talk climate change

Andrew Rivkin of the NY Times reported: This is a graph of Americans who support subsidies for solar panels and fuel efficient vehicles, based on their views of climate change. We all support solar, even if you are a climate … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=101

Ohm Electric Bikes to be Featured on Dragons’ Den TV Show!

Michael DeVisser, President of OHM Electric Bikes, pitches his line of e-bikes to the Dragons (business moguls) for a chance to be awarded business funding!

http://electricbikereport.com/ohm-electric-bikes-dragons-den-tv-show

Transport Evolved Episode 133. EV Tax And Weed

Join Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield from Zero Carbon World and electric car advocate and musician Deb Seymour as they discuss the weeks’ news in the world of electric cars, including the unveiling of the 2013 Nissan Leaf, Tesla’s Chademo modifications in Japan, Baja and Ice EV racing and much more.   Full show notes available here.   Subscribe to the [...]

http://www.transportevolved.com/2013/01/transport-evolved-episode-133-

E-Bike News: Ditching Car for E-Bike, E-Trike Deliveries, Gorilla on Electric Fat Bike in Snow? [VIDEOS]

ShawnMon a.k.a. – “AustinGreengo” from Austin Texas is a Realtor and has decided to ride a bike instead of driving his car for a year!  Here is a post about his new Pedego City Commuter electric bike and how much money the average person can save per month in auto expenses if those trips are done via [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/e-bike-news-ditching-car-for-e-bike-e-tr

2012 EICMA Brammo Event Video

Empulse & Enertia Plus Video shown at the EICMA 2012 Conference in the Brammo booth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GblbLsANUGg&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: brammo

Hottest year yet in the lower 48 states.

Warmest year ever recorded in lower 48 states came in 2012 Lauren Morello, E&E reporter Published: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 It’s official: 2012 was the warmest year ever recorded in the contiguous United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=101

Now the Government Wants to Track and Tax Your Mileage – Money Morning - Only the News You Can Profit From

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/now-government-wants-to-trac

New EV car sales up, up up !

Green cars account for just a teeny, tiny fraction of U.S. auto sales — 3.3 percent in 2012. But that teeny, tiny fraction is growing fast! BusinessGreen reports: Analyst firm Mintel estimated last month that sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=101

Drought still hurting American midwest

This is just what climate change scientists predicted. Drought Still Threatens Mississippi River RELATED ARTICLESBarges Lighten Loads, Hope for Rain as Drought Lowers River Levels A new year has started, but last year’s drought is still afflicting the United States. … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=101

Are You Ready to Pay for Not Consuming Gas?

I’ve written about different incentives for the Ford C-Max Energi, including a federal tax credit for the C-Max Energi, a tax credit for chargers, free public chargers, and HOV lane permits in New York and California. Now, some states are passing … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=160

The Energy Efficient House in 60 Seconds | Fully Charged

Robert Llewellyn visits an energy efficient house in Berlin. WATCH FULL EPISODE @ bit.ly LIKE Fully Charged on Facebook @ fb.me Fully Charged Podcast on iTunes @ bit.ly Robert is back in Berlin, where he speaks to Jörg Welke who lives in a house which produces 16000kWh of energy a year, when it only uses 4000-5000kWh. With it's great insulation, solar panels, and a 40kWh storage battery, it is truly energy efficient. In 2010, the UK could produce on a sunny midsummer day, 74000kW of energy from solar electricity. Compare this to Germany who under the same conditions producer 17000000kW of energy. For more info about the home visit: www.bmvbs.de ABOUT FULLY CHARGED: Fully Charged is an online show hosted by Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge, Carpool), sponsored by British Gas: Looking After Your World. During this series, Robert will discuss why we need to change how we think about energy consumption now. He will be taking a look at the newest electric cars available on the market [Volvo, Ford, Peugeot, Renault & Nissan] and also different forms of renewable energy [Wind and Solar].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkFlZfyvBsQ&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: fullychargedshow

An EV + PV love story

I was going to wait to put this video up, but now that I see that YouTube may give me problems due to copyright, I'm going to post it right now -- and note that it may not stay up long.

It's a short video that shows my brother's new Tesla Model S plugging into solar at our home in Aurora, Colo. and thereby breaking our 2 1/2 year old, 5.59 kW home solar system of its EV + PV 'virginity.' It's set to Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. I aquired the music from Archive.Org and it appeared to me that the recording -- by Leonard Berstein and the New York Philharmonic was under a Creative Commons License.

YouTube doesn't seem to think so, and I frankly don't know how to verify if this 1966 recording is, or is not, in the public domain. It's rather amazing how YouTube immediately identifies content it deems to be "problematic" via automated means. I happen to think the video is fun to watch, and, in the spirit of fun, I want to get it out there for viewing by at least a few folks before maybe it gets taken down.

Hope a few of you get to enjoy it. In the meantime, I'm going to dispute YouTube's claim -- and hope they don't cancel my YouTube account as a result of my good faith dispute.

Cheers,
Christof Demont-Heinrich
Editor & Founder
SolarChargedDriving.Com
January 8, 2013

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-ev-pv/1134-an-ev-pv-lov

Home solar means an unthinkably low utility bill

Ho, ho, ho, ho! Our entire utility bill (gas + electric) for December 2012 was – drum roll, or, more appropriately put, a big Santa high five, please -- $36.99!

This in a household of four people and for a house that’s 2,100 square feet (if you include the furnished basement), and which is located in Aurora, Colo., not exactly a balmy climate at this time of year. In fact, according to our December 2012 Xcel Energy bill, the average monthly temperature was 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-going-solar/1133-home-s

Update on the Lightning GT

The Lighting GT was Great Britain’s answer to the Tesla Roadster in early development, and now the Model S in 2013. However with the current exchange rate the GT is going to set wealthy patrons back about a quarter of a million dollars or 150,000 British pounds. The electric supercar is hand built in Coventry, [...]

http://www.onelectriccars.com/lightning-gt/952

DC Electro Electric Bike = Urban Rocket! [VIDEO]

I recently came across a new electric bike company called DC Electro from Albuquerque, New Mexico and I contacted the inventor, Clint Wilsey, for more info on this innovative road style electric bike. Please note: DC Electro is currently testing their prototype e-bike without pedals and high performance (43 mph)!  The production versions will have a bicycle drivetrain [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/dc-electro-electric-bike-video

Our solar PV system no longer an EV 'virgin'

Almost three and a half years after getting so charged up by solar-charged driving that I founded SolarChargedDriving.Com and more than two and a half years after having a 5.59 kW solar system installed on our Aurora, Colo. rooftop, we finally had an EV plug in at our home today.

No, it wasn’t ours – we’ve had to put off getting an EV due to unusual personal circumstances. But it was the next best thing: It was my brother’s new Tesla Model S.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-ev-pv/1132-our-solar-pv

Blink Waive 2013 Membership Fees

Last year Blink Waived membership Fees for their services. It was assumed by many (including myself) that 2013 would see fees being charged for membership. I just received a fee waiver for 2013 Plus Membership. So what does that get … Continue reading →

http://jpwhitenissanleaf.com/2013/01/05/blink-waive-2013-membership-fe

How To Improve MPG with The Ford C-Max

By writing this blog, I am not stating there is not a problem with the C-Max resulting in lower than expected MPG.  I don’t know.  Many owners of the C-Max Hybrid are reporting lower than the EPA MPG for the … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=143

History of the American Cargo Bike: VIDEOS!

I am a big fan of cargo bikes and I want to share this rough cut of LESS CAR MORE GO -a crowd sourced documentary on the birth and boom of the cargo bike.  It features some of the history of Xtracycle and others.  Enjoy! Adding electric assist to a cargo bike truly makes them a [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/history-of-the-american-cargo-bike-video

Ford Needs to Improve Their Marketing for the C-Max

Today I received the email displayed below from Ford.  What was interesting is the email has two marketing messages.  First, it promotes the C-Max Hybrid/Energi and electrified vehicle technology.  Second, it contains a special private offer of $750 cash.  The … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=154

Transport Evolved Episode 132. Got Insurance?

Join Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield and Mark Chatterley from Zero Carbon World and John Voelcker from GreenCarReports as they discuss the week’s news in the world of electric cars, including Fisker’s legal battles with its insurance company, the new 2013 Nissan Leaf, and sales figures for 2012. Full show notes available here.   Subscribe to the show via iTunes, Youtube or Blip.tv This show is sponsored [...]

http://www.transportevolved.com/2013/01/transport-evolved-episode-132-

Senator Sanders Defends Wind Power in the WSJournal. Get ‘em, Bernie !

Regarding your Dec. 26 editorial “The Winds of Washington” and the companion op-ed by Phil Gramm “The Multiple Distortions of Wind Subsidies”: I have been trying to figure out what principle underlies your opposition to encouraging the development of clean, … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=101

There’s a New Tax Credit for Installing an EV Charger

C-Max Energi owners and prospective buyers could be interested in a little noticed part of the “Fiscal Cliff” legislation passed yesterday.  There is a tax credit for installing a charger in your home.  There is also a tax credit for … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=152

Global Warming storms droughts costing plenty

U.S. hit with 90% of the world’s disaster costs in 2012 Evan Lehmann, E&E reporter Published: Friday, January 4, 2013 The United States led the world in disaster losses last year as a massive drought seared Midwestern crops in the … Continue reading →

http://www.funruninthesun.org/?p=100

Should we feel guilty about heating with solar?

We burned though 1,600 kWh of electricity and generated just 300 kWh of solar electricity in December. This represented the second straight month in which: a) we used more than 1,000 kWh of electricity; b) our electricity use far exceeded our solar-electricity generation.

Yes, all of this extra use is planned: Since we don’t have an EV yet, we’re trying to do as much of our winter heating as possible with six wall-mounted eheat.com electric heaters while using our central, natural gas burning, forced hot air furnace as little as possible.

We’re taking the extra electricity we’re burning out of a “bank” of more than 10,000 extra solar-generated kWh we’ve produced in 2 ? years with our 5.59 kW solar system.

http://solarchargeddriving.com/editors-blog/on-going-solar/1131-should

E-Bike News: nCycle Futuristic E-bike, Solar Charging, Voltitude, Cardboard E-bike?

Wow!  The nCycle is a new futuristic electric bike design concept that features a holographic display, smartphone integration, Bluetooth speakers, a unique integrated lock system built into the handlebars, a folding option, and more!  It is definitely worth a look! The Voltitude V1, a mini folding electric bike, is set to go into production.  Pretty [...]

http://electricbikereport.com/e-bike-news-ncycle-futuristic-e-bike-sol

Ford C-Max December Sales Fall 11% From November

C-Max Hybrid and Energi sales fell 11 percent from November 2012 with 4,310 vehicles sold in December.  This was worse than my projection a few days ago that C-Max sales would be flat.  The sales of C-Max were especially disappointing … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=150

Ford C-Max Wins Autobytel 2013 Alternative Fuel Car of the Year

Autobytel announced today that the Ford C-Max Hybrid won its 2013 Alternative Fuel Car of the Year Award.  The C-Max Hybrid was one of four finalists for the award.  The other finalists were the Tesla Model S, Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid and … Continue reading →

http://cmaxchat.com/?p=149

Battery Life Extension Tips From Nissan Leaf Owner's Manual

http://carswithcords.blogspot.com/2013/01/battery-life-extension-tips-

Electric Bikes in 60 Seconds | Fully Charged

Robert Llewellyn reviews electric bikes! WATCH FULL EPISODE @ bit.ly LIKE Fully Charged on Facebook @ fb.me Fully Charged Podcast on iTunes @ bit.ly This episode takes a bite size look at some electric bikes but if you head over to view the full episode you'll see Robert Llewellyn looking at three different pedal electric bikes from HeroEco. They are 'The Edge', 'The Hybrid' and 'The Metro'. All of these can be found @ heroeco.com He then reviews an all electric scooter called the Vectrix VX1-Li - vectrixeurope.com Finally Mark Loveridge shows us the Zero S a street bike - www.zeromotorcycles.com ABOUT FULLY CHARGED: Fully Charged is an online show hosted by Robert Llewellyn (Red Dwarf, Scrapheap Challenge, Carpool), sponsored by British Gas: Looking After Your World. During this series, Robert will discuss why we need to change how we think about energy consumption now. He will be taking a look at the newest electric cars available on the market [Volvo, Ford, Peugeot, Renault & Nissan] and also different forms of renewable energy [Wind and Solar].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYc2-n0aSXI&feature=youtube_gdat

Credit: fullychargedshow