General Motors CEO Mary Barra has introduced the Chevrolet Bolt at the Detroit Auto Show. GM says the $30,000 concept car can go 200 miles per charge. Its rollout eclipsed the introduction of revamped Chevy Volt on the same stage. (Jan. 12)
Video from the Associated Press (0:58):
Chevy Bolt and New Volt Unveiled in Detroit - YouTube
Showing posts with label vehicle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vehicle. Show all posts
Monday, January 12, 2015
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
It is Watt Your Wall Has Been Waiting for
Press release from General Electric. Not a report about renewable energy or energy efficiency, strictly speaking, but still of possible interest.
18 September 2012
18 September 2012
It is Watt Your Wall Has Been Waiting for
GE Launches the Stylish, Smart and Simple Wattstation Wall Mounted Electric Vehicle Chargers in Europe
MUNICH, GERMANY —September 18, 2012 —GE (NYSE: GE) has launched the wall-mounted version of its WattStation electric vehicle (EV) charger in Europe.
Unveiled at GE’s Global Research Centre, located in the Technical University in Munich, Germany, the GE WattStation Wall might look like a work of modern art. But the stylish device makes owning and using electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles an easier and more attractive proposition. There is even an app for it.
The GE WattStation Wall is compatible with all the main types of European EV charging connections and is suitable for use in private and public locations. The compact unit can be easily installed indoors or outdoors, and its robust construction will resist rain, sleet and even ice. A flexible cord conveniently wraps around the unit to keep it organized and off the ground. To prevent unauthorised use, the WattStation Wall charger can be switched on and off from a separate switch.
The energy management capability of the WattStation Wall allows for several chargers to be connected to an existing power supply, enabling the easy installation of multiple charging points in parking lots and fleet depots. It also can be connected to existing energy management systems and is compatible with smart grid technology allowing users to take advantage of cheaper tariffs and to avoid unnecessary vehicle charging over peak demand periods.
The WattStation Wall is an appealing option when charging points are to be located in public areas or alongside distinctive architecture; the sleek design can be customized to match existing decors or to incorporate customers’ corporate or favourite colours.
Getting Connected
WattStation Network, a networked version of the charger, which will be available early in 2013, will work with the WattStation Connect online service. It will meet the needs of car park operators, fleet managers and municipalities that require greater control of energy usage or the smart functionality necessary to collect payments and monitor usage.
User identification and online payment options will allow chargers to be made available to all EV drivers or restricted to authorised users only. Fleet managers also will be able to rebill users.
A WattStation smart phone app enables users to manage vehicle charging remotely and to obtain energy use information. The smart technology has been designed to accept future upgrades.
Charles Elazar, marketing director with GE Energy Management’s Industrial Solutions business in Europe, Middle East and Africa says: “Customers are now looking at electric vehicles from an economic rather than an environmental perspective. The new wave of hybrid vehicles is creating interest, and we also are seeing a niche develop with organisations purchasing complete ‘EV eco-systems,’ packages of vehicles and charging infrastructure to meet specific transport needs.”
The GE WattStation Wall meets these customers’ needs with its combination of smart functionality and “plug-and-play” simplicity.
Along with a range of chargers that includes the GE DuraStation, WattStation Wall and WattStation Connect, GE provides the full range of electrical systems and smart grid technology necessary to develop and manage a complete electric vehicle infrastructure. Through its Capital and Fleet Services businesses, GE also is able to provide the financing, vehicles and fleet management knowhow to support the widespread adoption of EV technology.
GE is a keen supporter of EVs. In 2010, the company announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for use as company cars and to lease to corporate customers through its Fleet Services business. At the time GE's Chief Executive Officer Jeff Immelt said he hoped the purchase would "move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.”
More information about the GE WattStation Wall is available at:www.gepowercontrols.com/ev.
For trade sales enquires contact Joerg Platzer at GE Energyjoerg.platzer@ge.com.
Notes
Unveiled at GE’s Global Research Centre, located in the Technical University in Munich, Germany, the GE WattStation Wall might look like a work of modern art. But the stylish device makes owning and using electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles an easier and more attractive proposition. There is even an app for it.
The GE WattStation Wall is compatible with all the main types of European EV charging connections and is suitable for use in private and public locations. The compact unit can be easily installed indoors or outdoors, and its robust construction will resist rain, sleet and even ice. A flexible cord conveniently wraps around the unit to keep it organized and off the ground. To prevent unauthorised use, the WattStation Wall charger can be switched on and off from a separate switch.
The energy management capability of the WattStation Wall allows for several chargers to be connected to an existing power supply, enabling the easy installation of multiple charging points in parking lots and fleet depots. It also can be connected to existing energy management systems and is compatible with smart grid technology allowing users to take advantage of cheaper tariffs and to avoid unnecessary vehicle charging over peak demand periods.
The WattStation Wall is an appealing option when charging points are to be located in public areas or alongside distinctive architecture; the sleek design can be customized to match existing decors or to incorporate customers’ corporate or favourite colours.
Getting Connected
WattStation Network, a networked version of the charger, which will be available early in 2013, will work with the WattStation Connect online service. It will meet the needs of car park operators, fleet managers and municipalities that require greater control of energy usage or the smart functionality necessary to collect payments and monitor usage.
User identification and online payment options will allow chargers to be made available to all EV drivers or restricted to authorised users only. Fleet managers also will be able to rebill users.
A WattStation smart phone app enables users to manage vehicle charging remotely and to obtain energy use information. The smart technology has been designed to accept future upgrades.
Charles Elazar, marketing director with GE Energy Management’s Industrial Solutions business in Europe, Middle East and Africa says: “Customers are now looking at electric vehicles from an economic rather than an environmental perspective. The new wave of hybrid vehicles is creating interest, and we also are seeing a niche develop with organisations purchasing complete ‘EV eco-systems,’ packages of vehicles and charging infrastructure to meet specific transport needs.”
The GE WattStation Wall meets these customers’ needs with its combination of smart functionality and “plug-and-play” simplicity.
Along with a range of chargers that includes the GE DuraStation, WattStation Wall and WattStation Connect, GE provides the full range of electrical systems and smart grid technology necessary to develop and manage a complete electric vehicle infrastructure. Through its Capital and Fleet Services businesses, GE also is able to provide the financing, vehicles and fleet management knowhow to support the widespread adoption of EV technology.
GE is a keen supporter of EVs. In 2010, the company announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for use as company cars and to lease to corporate customers through its Fleet Services business. At the time GE's Chief Executive Officer Jeff Immelt said he hoped the purchase would "move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.”
More information about the GE WattStation Wall is available at:www.gepowercontrols.com/ev.
For trade sales enquires contact Joerg Platzer at GE Energyjoerg.platzer@ge.com.
Notes
- The GE WattStation Wall measures 60 cm tall by 40 cm wide and 15 cm deep.
- The Watt Station Wall is supports type 1 plugs; type 2 plugs, type 2 sockets and type 3 sockets, the most commonly used EV charging connections in Europe, USA and Japan.
- GE WattStation Wall complies with IEC 62196-1 and IEC 62196-2 standards.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
Follow GE’s Industrial Solutions business on Twitter @GEindustrial.
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
Follow GE’s Industrial Solutions business on Twitter @GEindustrial.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Urban Green Energy and GE Announce First Sanya Skypump Installation
Press release:
14 August 2012
14 August 2012
Urban Green Energy and GE Announce First Sanya Skypump Installation
World’s First Integrated Wind-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installed in Barcelona
BARCELONA, SPAIN — August 14, 2012 — Urban Green Energy (UGE) and GE (NYSE: GE) have unveiled the world’s first integrated wind-powered electric vehicle charging station. The innovative Sanya Skypump pairs UGE’s cutting-edge vertical wind turbines with GE’s electric vehicle (EV) charging technology to offer completely clean energy to power electric vehicles.
Installed by UGE Iberia, the Spanish branch of New York-based Urban Green Energy, the first wind-powered EV charging station is located at Cespa’s global headquarters near Barcelona. Cespa is the environmental services subsidiary of Ferrovial Servicios, the world’s largest private transportation infrastructure investor.
More Sanya Skypumps will be installed later this year in the U.S. and Australia at shopping malls, universities and other locations.
The integrated system incorporates both the energy production capacity of UGE’s 4K wind turbine and the EV charging capability of the GE Durastation in a single unit, with all required electrical systems located within the tower.
Designed for commercial and government customers, the Sanya Skypump combines environmental benefits with a strong statement to customers and the public.
“Since launching the Sanya Skypump, we have received inquiries from companies around the world that are looking to embrace sustainability,” said Nick Blitterswyk, CEO of UGE. “The Sanya Skypump is one of those rare products that enable institutions to demonstrate their commitment to the environment while providing a really useful service as well.”
The Sanya Skypump delivers power through a GE DuraStation EV charger, which enables faster charging using higher voltages.
Charles Elazar, marketing director of GE Energy Management’s Industrial Solutions business in Europe, says, “GE is launching a family of electric vehicle charging systems in Europe offering domestic and commercial users a range of easy-to-use, flexible systems to help make electric vehicles a practical, everyday reality."
GE is a keen supporter of electric vehicles and has announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for use as company cars and to lease to corporate customers through its Fleet Services business.
About Urban Green Energy
About Urban Green Energy
With installations in over 65 countries, including installations for several government agencies and Fortune 100 companies, UGE is changing the face of distributed renewable energy. UGE puts users in control of their energy source by designing and manufacturing more versatile wind turbines and hybrid wind/solar systems for use in applications ranging from residential to commercial, from suburban US homeowners to off-grid telecoms towers in rural Africa. Visit www.urbangreenenergy.com today to learn how together we can create a greener tomorrow.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.
Follow GE’s Industrial Solutions business on Twitter @GEindustrial and@GE_WattStation.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Energy Department Investments to Develop Lighter, Stronger Materials for Greater Vehicle Fuel Economy
Press release from the U.S. Dept. of Energy:
Energy Department Investments to Develop Lighter, Stronger Materials for Greater Vehicle Fuel Economy
August 13, 2012 - 9:14am
WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above energy
strategy to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign oil and save drivers
money at the pump, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today seven new
projects to accelerate the development and deployment of stronger and lighter
materials for the next generation of American-made cars and trucks. These
projects include the development and validation of modeling tools to deliver
higher performing carbon fiber composites and advanced steels, as well as
research into new lightweight, high-strength alloys for energy-efficient vehicle
and truck engines.
“With strong, lightweight materials we have an opportunity to dramatically increase vehicle fuel economy, while helping America maintain its competitive edge in automotive design and manufacturing,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s investment in new lightweight materials builds on the Obama Administration’s historic fuel economy standards that are already helping drivers save money at the pump.”
The Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to improve the fuel efficiency of American vehicles, reaching historic agreements to improve fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks through Model Year 2025. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump, or about $8,200 in costs over the lifetime of each vehicle. In fact, the initial set of standards for Model Years 2011 to 2016 is already having an impact for American families and businesses. The Energy Information Administration estimates model year 2011 cars achieved record average fuel economy at 34.4 miles per gallon, representing a 2 percent increase over 2010 model year cars.
Achieving the goals of this historic agreement will rely on innovative technologies and manufacturing that will spur economic growth and create high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America. The projects announced today will help provide additional technologies and innovations that will enable manufacturers to continue to improve vehicle fuel efficiency beyond the regulated levels. Advanced materials are essential for boosting the fuel economy of cars and trucks while maintaining and improving safety and performance. Replacing cast iron and traditional steel components with lightweight materials – including advanced high-strength steel, magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber composites – allows vehicle manufacturers to include additional safety devices, integrated electronic systems and emissions control equipment on vehicles without increasing their weight. Using lighter materials also reduces a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Reducing a vehicle’s weight by just 10 percent can improve the fuel economy by 6 to 8 percent.
The new investments announced today support materials innovation in two critical areas:
Improving Carbon Fiber Composites and Advanced Steel through Computational Design
The Energy Department will award two projects to validate existing modeling tools to optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of carbon fiber and other specialized composite materials for vehicle body, chassis and interior uses. For example, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, based in Richland, Washington, is receiving a $1 million investment to validate carbon fiber composite models.
Additionally, the Department is investing $6 million to develop new modeling tools to advance third-generation high-strength steels. Through this project, Detroit-based United States Automotive Materials Partnership will leverage an additional $2.5 million in private investment to help create modeling tools for deploying high-strength steels for lighter passenger vehicles.
Advanced Alloy Development for Automotive and Heavy-Duty Engines
Today’s investment also includes four project that will develop lightweight, high-strength alloys for automotive and heavy duty engine blocks and cylinder heads. For instance, Caterpillar Inc, based near Peoria, Illinois, is leveraging a $3.4 million Energy Department award, as well as $1.5 million in private investment, to develop high-strength iron-based alloys to allow for higher cylinder pressures and increased engine efficiency.
Read the full list of awards HERE.
The Energy Department will provide $8 million this year for these awards, and has requested an additional $13.75 million next year, subject to congressional appropriations, to support the completion of these projects over the next two to four years. The Department’s investments are leveraging an additional $11 million from the private sector. These projects support the Materials Genome Initiative, an ambitious effort announced by President Obama to double the speed and cut the cost of discovering, developing, and deploying new high-tech materials in the United States.
From developing stronger, safer and lighter materials for today’s automobiles, to lowering the costs of electric vehicle batteries and better combustion engines, the Energy Department has supported a range of technological advances in vehicle efficiency that has helped maintain America’s competitive edge in this global industry. More information on these investments is available HERE.
“With strong, lightweight materials we have an opportunity to dramatically increase vehicle fuel economy, while helping America maintain its competitive edge in automotive design and manufacturing,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s investment in new lightweight materials builds on the Obama Administration’s historic fuel economy standards that are already helping drivers save money at the pump.”
The Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to improve the fuel efficiency of American vehicles, reaching historic agreements to improve fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks through Model Year 2025. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump, or about $8,200 in costs over the lifetime of each vehicle. In fact, the initial set of standards for Model Years 2011 to 2016 is already having an impact for American families and businesses. The Energy Information Administration estimates model year 2011 cars achieved record average fuel economy at 34.4 miles per gallon, representing a 2 percent increase over 2010 model year cars.
Achieving the goals of this historic agreement will rely on innovative technologies and manufacturing that will spur economic growth and create high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America. The projects announced today will help provide additional technologies and innovations that will enable manufacturers to continue to improve vehicle fuel efficiency beyond the regulated levels. Advanced materials are essential for boosting the fuel economy of cars and trucks while maintaining and improving safety and performance. Replacing cast iron and traditional steel components with lightweight materials – including advanced high-strength steel, magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber composites – allows vehicle manufacturers to include additional safety devices, integrated electronic systems and emissions control equipment on vehicles without increasing their weight. Using lighter materials also reduces a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Reducing a vehicle’s weight by just 10 percent can improve the fuel economy by 6 to 8 percent.
The new investments announced today support materials innovation in two critical areas:
Improving Carbon Fiber Composites and Advanced Steel through Computational Design
The Energy Department will award two projects to validate existing modeling tools to optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of carbon fiber and other specialized composite materials for vehicle body, chassis and interior uses. For example, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, based in Richland, Washington, is receiving a $1 million investment to validate carbon fiber composite models.
Additionally, the Department is investing $6 million to develop new modeling tools to advance third-generation high-strength steels. Through this project, Detroit-based United States Automotive Materials Partnership will leverage an additional $2.5 million in private investment to help create modeling tools for deploying high-strength steels for lighter passenger vehicles.
Advanced Alloy Development for Automotive and Heavy-Duty Engines
Today’s investment also includes four project that will develop lightweight, high-strength alloys for automotive and heavy duty engine blocks and cylinder heads. For instance, Caterpillar Inc, based near Peoria, Illinois, is leveraging a $3.4 million Energy Department award, as well as $1.5 million in private investment, to develop high-strength iron-based alloys to allow for higher cylinder pressures and increased engine efficiency.
Read the full list of awards HERE.
The Energy Department will provide $8 million this year for these awards, and has requested an additional $13.75 million next year, subject to congressional appropriations, to support the completion of these projects over the next two to four years. The Department’s investments are leveraging an additional $11 million from the private sector. These projects support the Materials Genome Initiative, an ambitious effort announced by President Obama to double the speed and cut the cost of discovering, developing, and deploying new high-tech materials in the United States.
From developing stronger, safer and lighter materials for today’s automobiles, to lowering the costs of electric vehicle batteries and better combustion engines, the Energy Department has supported a range of technological advances in vehicle efficiency that has helped maintain America’s competitive edge in this global industry. More information on these investments is available HERE.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
ARPA-E Announces $43 Million for Transformational Energy Storage Projects to Advance Electric Vehicle and Grid Technologies
Press release from the U.S. Dept. of Energy:
ARPA-E Announces $43 Million for Transformational Energy Storage Projects to Advance Electric Vehicle and Grid Technologies
August 2, 2012 - 10:34am
News Media Contact
WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy today announced that 19 transformative
new projects will receive a total of $43 million in funding from the
Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to leverage the
nation’s brightest scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to develop
breakthrough energy storage technologies and support promising small businesses.
These projects are supported through two new ARPA-E programs -- Advanced
Management and Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPED) and Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR) – and will focus on innovations in battery management
and storage to advance electric vehicle technologies, help improve the
efficiency and reliability of the electrical grid and provide important energy
security benefits to America’s armed forces.
“This latest round of ARPA-E projects seek to address the remaining challenges in energy storage technologies, which could revolutionize the way Americans store and use energy in electric vehicles, the grid and beyond, while also potentially improving the access to energy for the U.S. military at forward operating bases in remote areas,” said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. “These cutting-edge projects could transform our energy infrastructure, dramatically reduce our reliance on imported oil and increase American energy security.”
Twelve research projects are receiving $30 million in funding under the AMPED program, which aims to develop advanced sensing and control technologies that could dramatically improve and provide new innovations in safety, performance, and lifetime for grid-scale and vehicle batteries. Unlike other Department of Energy efforts to push the frontiers of battery chemistry, AMPED is focused on maximizing the potential of existing battery chemistries. These innovations will help reduce costs and improve the performance of next generation storage technologies, which could be applied in both plug-in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. For example, Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, will develop an optical sensor to monitor the internal environment of a lithium-ion battery in real-time.
ARPA-E is also announcing a total of $13 million for seven projects to enterprising small businesses to pursue cutting-edge energy storage developments for stationary power and electric vehicles. These projects will develop new innovative battery chemistries and battery designs, continuing ARPA-E’s funding for storage technologies. These awards are part of the larger Department-wide Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. For example, Energy Storage Systems, Inc., in Portland, Oregon, will construct a flow battery for grid scale storage using an advanced cell design and electrolyte materials composed of low cost iron. The flow battery will have a target storage cost of less than $100/kWh, which could enable deployment of renewable energy technologies throughout the grid.
Information on all of the new AMPED and SBIR projects announced today is available HERE.
ARPA-E’s Principal Deputy Director Eric Toone announced the selected projects at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation’s event, the “New Age of Discovery: Government’s Role in Transformative Innovation,” in Washington, DC, where he spoke alongside former ARPA-E Director Arun Majumdar.
ARPA-E was launched in 2009 to seek out transformational, breakthrough technologies that are too risky for private-sector investment but have the potential to translate science into quantum leaps in energy technology, form the foundation for entirely new industries, and have large commercial impacts. Prior to today’s announcement, ARPA-E has attracted over 5,000 applications from research teams, which have resulted in approximately 180 groundbreaking projects worth nearly $500 million. More information on the program is available at www.arpa-e.energy.gov.
“This latest round of ARPA-E projects seek to address the remaining challenges in energy storage technologies, which could revolutionize the way Americans store and use energy in electric vehicles, the grid and beyond, while also potentially improving the access to energy for the U.S. military at forward operating bases in remote areas,” said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. “These cutting-edge projects could transform our energy infrastructure, dramatically reduce our reliance on imported oil and increase American energy security.”
Twelve research projects are receiving $30 million in funding under the AMPED program, which aims to develop advanced sensing and control technologies that could dramatically improve and provide new innovations in safety, performance, and lifetime for grid-scale and vehicle batteries. Unlike other Department of Energy efforts to push the frontiers of battery chemistry, AMPED is focused on maximizing the potential of existing battery chemistries. These innovations will help reduce costs and improve the performance of next generation storage technologies, which could be applied in both plug-in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. For example, Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, will develop an optical sensor to monitor the internal environment of a lithium-ion battery in real-time.
ARPA-E is also announcing a total of $13 million for seven projects to enterprising small businesses to pursue cutting-edge energy storage developments for stationary power and electric vehicles. These projects will develop new innovative battery chemistries and battery designs, continuing ARPA-E’s funding for storage technologies. These awards are part of the larger Department-wide Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. For example, Energy Storage Systems, Inc., in Portland, Oregon, will construct a flow battery for grid scale storage using an advanced cell design and electrolyte materials composed of low cost iron. The flow battery will have a target storage cost of less than $100/kWh, which could enable deployment of renewable energy technologies throughout the grid.
Information on all of the new AMPED and SBIR projects announced today is available HERE.
ARPA-E’s Principal Deputy Director Eric Toone announced the selected projects at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation’s event, the “New Age of Discovery: Government’s Role in Transformative Innovation,” in Washington, DC, where he spoke alongside former ARPA-E Director Arun Majumdar.
ARPA-E was launched in 2009 to seek out transformational, breakthrough technologies that are too risky for private-sector investment but have the potential to translate science into quantum leaps in energy technology, form the foundation for entirely new industries, and have large commercial impacts. Prior to today’s announcement, ARPA-E has attracted over 5,000 applications from research teams, which have resulted in approximately 180 groundbreaking projects worth nearly $500 million. More information on the program is available at www.arpa-e.energy.gov.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
GE Energy Teams Up with PayPal to Make Electric Vehicle Charging Payments Simple and Secure
Not truly renewable, but still of possible interest. News release from General Electric:
12 July 2012
12 July 2012
GE Energy Teams Up with PayPal to Make Electric Vehicle Charging Payments Simple and Secure
- Agreement Allows EV Drivers to Securely and Conveniently Pay for Charging Fees through the WattStation Connect Mobile App
- Mobile App Now Available at Apple iTunes Store®
PLAINVILLE, Conn. — July 12, 2012 — GE Energy’s (NYSE: GE) Industrial Solutions business today announced details of the strategic agreement it entered with PayPal to launch the ecomagination™-approved WattStation™and WattStation™ Connect, a complete electric vehicle (EV) charging platform solution.
The agreement between Industrial Solutions and PayPal enables drivers to securely and conveniently pay for charging fees through the WattStation Connect mobile app and PayPal. With the app, now available at the Apple iTunes Store®, users can locate the nearest WattStation EV charger; check the status of the charger; get pricing details and pay with PayPal.
Here’s how it works — EV drivers use the app to scan the quick response (QR) code on the WattStation charger. The QR code will identify the WattStation and the pricing structure for that individual charger; drivers then simply pay for the charge via PayPal. In addition to the app, EV drivers can locate the nearest WattStation charging station on the recently launched website, www.gewattstation.com.
"Our full line of EV charging solutions is designed with the end user top of mind,” said Michael Mahan, product general manager, EV infrastructure for GE Energy's Industrial Solutions business. “This collaborative agreement with PayPal enables us to offer EV drivers a convenient way to charge their vehicles, which is essential to nurturing the mass adoption of EVs in the future."
Industrial Solutions, a GE heritage business, is leading the future of electrification with advanced technologies that distribute electricity and protect and control a facility’s electrical infrastructure. The business provide customers, across various industries, with end-to-end product and service solutions that ensure the reliability and protection of the electrical infrastructure; from the substation, throughout the facility and including all the sustainable power technologies in between. Industrial Solutions’ product and service solutions add to GE Energy Management’s broader portfolio of leading technology solutions for the delivery, management conversion and optimization of electrical power for customers across multiple energy intensive industries.
“Simplicity and convenience are key to mass adoption of any new technology, something we know well at PayPal,” said Scott Dunlap, vice president of emerging opportunities at PayPal. “Together with GE Energy’s Industrial Solutions business, we’ve made recharging your electric vehicle easier than filling a gas tank. We are pleased to be a part of this important initiative.”
For more information on GE Energy's EV solutions, please visit its website, check it out on Facebook or follow on Twitter @GEindustrial.
Apple iTunes Store is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
About PayPal
PayPal is the faster, safer way to pay and get paid online. The service allows people to send money without sharing financial information, with the flexibility to pay using their account balances, bank accounts, credit cards or promotional financing. With 106 million active accounts in 190 markets and 25 currencies around the world, PayPal enables global ecommerce. PayPal is an eBay (Nasdaq:EBAY) company and is made up of three leading online payment services: the PayPal global payment service, the Payflow Gateway and Bill Me Later. More information about the company can be found at PayPal.com. PayPal is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and its international headquarters is located in Singapore.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.
Follow GE Energy on Twitter @GE_Energy.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Fuel Economy Valentines
From the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Energy Savers blog:
What’s more romantic this Valentine’s Day than taking a drive with your sweetheart? In fact, for most people this holiday, the plans will include some kind of travel, to a restaurant, show, or weekend getaway. Anytime spent on the road can be a great time to track your vehicle’s fuel economy, and fueleconomy.gov has a tool to help you do just that!
Once you enter the Your MPG tool and select the make and model of your vehicle, you’ll choose a way to keep track of your fill-ups at the pump, recording your odometer and/or the amount of fuel you put in your vehicle. The tool then calculates your gallons per mile and saves this information in your account; you can log back in anytime to update and monitor your vehicle’s fuel economy.
A new feature allows you to enter your driving style, whether you’re the type who drives cautiously to achieve the best fuel economy, or you accelerate quickly and pass whenever possible. And the best part about this tool? It’s available on your mobile device, so you can record your mileage as you go.
You can even share your miles per gallon calculations with others who drive similar vehicles, and what is more in the spirit of Valentine’s Day than sharing?
See more fuel efficiency tips on Energy Savers.
Amanda McAlpin works for New West Technologies supporting the Vehicle Technologies Program at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Once you enter the Your MPG tool and select the make and model of your vehicle, you’ll choose a way to keep track of your fill-ups at the pump, recording your odometer and/or the amount of fuel you put in your vehicle. The tool then calculates your gallons per mile and saves this information in your account; you can log back in anytime to update and monitor your vehicle’s fuel economy.
A new feature allows you to enter your driving style, whether you’re the type who drives cautiously to achieve the best fuel economy, or you accelerate quickly and pass whenever possible. And the best part about this tool? It’s available on your mobile device, so you can record your mileage as you go.
You can even share your miles per gallon calculations with others who drive similar vehicles, and what is more in the spirit of Valentine’s Day than sharing?
See more fuel efficiency tips on Energy Savers.
Amanda McAlpin works for New West Technologies supporting the Vehicle Technologies Program at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
GM to Build New CNG Vans for AT&T
News release from AT&T. Once again, while natural gas is not really renewable energy, its use may be of interest to readers because of its lower carbon footprint, as compared to gasoline or diesel.
Fresh on the heels of the announcement that is has deployed its 5,000th alternative fuel vehicle, AT&T* announced today that it plans to take delivery of 1,200 Chevrolet Express dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) cargo vans to be deployed to AT&T service centers nationwide. It is the largest-ever order of GM CNG vehicles.
“St. Louis is home to AT&T’s Fleet Operations and we have more than 200 alternative fuel vehicles in the state,” said AT&T Missouri President John Sondag. “This order shows AT&T’s continued commitment to alternative fuels and to investing right here in Missouri.”
AT&T, which has announced its intention to invest up to $565 million to deploy approximately 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles over a 10-year period through 2018, will use the vans to provide and maintain communications, high-speed Internet and television services for AT&T customers. Last week, the company announced the milestone deployment of its 5,000th alternative-fuel vehicle, a Chevrolet Express van, as part of the commitment.
“CNG technology is important to AT&T because it helps us reduce our fleet-based carbon emissions,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president of Fleet Operations. “It is also cost-effective and readily available in our country right now.”
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, CNG-powered vans can produce approximately 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than similar gasoline and diesel-powered vans, which supports AT&T’s corporate commitment to minimize its impact on the environment.
In 2010, AT&T and other large U.S. fleet operators joined in the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities’ National Clean Fleets Partnership as part of a national challenge launched by President Obama to cut America’s petroleum imports by one-third by 2025. Through 2013, AT&T anticipates it will have purchased up to 8,000 CNG vehicles at an estimated cost of $350 million. Additionally, over the life of the commitment, AT&T expects to invest $215 million to replace approximately 7,100 fleet passenger cars with alternative-fuel models.
According to a 2009 Center for Automotive Research report, AT&T’s planned alternative-fuel vehicle initiative would:
Beyond the AFV deployments, AT&T is turning to its service garages to help minimize its environmental footprint and cut operating costs within its overall fleet. These programs include:
GM Wentzville Plant to Build New CNG Vans for AT&T
Order shows AT&T's "continued commitment to alternative fuels and to investing right here in Missouri," says AT&T Missouri President John Sondag
St. Louis, Missouri, February 01, 2012Fresh on the heels of the announcement that is has deployed its 5,000th alternative fuel vehicle, AT&T* announced today that it plans to take delivery of 1,200 Chevrolet Express dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) cargo vans to be deployed to AT&T service centers nationwide. It is the largest-ever order of GM CNG vehicles.
“St. Louis is home to AT&T’s Fleet Operations and we have more than 200 alternative fuel vehicles in the state,” said AT&T Missouri President John Sondag. “This order shows AT&T’s continued commitment to alternative fuels and to investing right here in Missouri.”
AT&T, which has announced its intention to invest up to $565 million to deploy approximately 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles over a 10-year period through 2018, will use the vans to provide and maintain communications, high-speed Internet and television services for AT&T customers. Last week, the company announced the milestone deployment of its 5,000th alternative-fuel vehicle, a Chevrolet Express van, as part of the commitment.
“CNG technology is important to AT&T because it helps us reduce our fleet-based carbon emissions,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president of Fleet Operations. “It is also cost-effective and readily available in our country right now.”
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, CNG-powered vans can produce approximately 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than similar gasoline and diesel-powered vans, which supports AT&T’s corporate commitment to minimize its impact on the environment.
In 2010, AT&T and other large U.S. fleet operators joined in the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities’ National Clean Fleets Partnership as part of a national challenge launched by President Obama to cut America’s petroleum imports by one-third by 2025. Through 2013, AT&T anticipates it will have purchased up to 8,000 CNG vehicles at an estimated cost of $350 million. Additionally, over the life of the commitment, AT&T expects to invest $215 million to replace approximately 7,100 fleet passenger cars with alternative-fuel models.
According to a 2009 Center for Automotive Research report, AT&T’s planned alternative-fuel vehicle initiative would:
- Save 49 million gallons of gasoline over the 10-year deployment period
- Reduce carbon emissions by 211,000 metric tons – the greenhouse gas equivalent of removing 38,600 passenger vehicles from the road for one year
Beyond the AFV deployments, AT&T is turning to its service garages to help minimize its environmental footprint and cut operating costs within its overall fleet. These programs include:
- Redirecting an estimated 60,000 old tires annually through a new recycling program that turns old rubber into fuel and consumer products
- Recycling all primary garage products, including 180,000 pounds of oil filters; 200,000 gallons of oil; and 23,000 gallons of antifreeze annually
- Eliminating the purchase of 9,000 pounds of lead annually that were being used to balance new fleet vehicle tires at high speeds
Navistar Commitment to Natural Gas
While this news item is not about renewable energy per se, I thought it might be of interest because natural gas is the least detrimental to the environment of the fossil fuels. We would definitely reduce our carbon footprint if we made greater use of natural gas, and less of diesel.
LISLE, Ill., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced its launch of a comprehensive natural gas strategy, including integrated natural gas product offerings and a strategic partnership with Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE) that will provide customers with a sustainable, commercially viable solution for adding natural gas powered trucks to their fleets.
"Natural gas has clearly emerged as the most realistic alternative fuel option for the trucking industry," said Dan Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. "Together, Navistar and Clean Energy have come up with a breakthrough program that offers customers a quicker payback on their investment plus added fuel costs savings from day one of operation. When combined with Navistar's industry-leading dealer network and Clean Energy's unmatched fuel distribution system, customers can be confident that bringing natural gas vehicles into their fleets makes good business sense."
"We believe the deployment of new, innovative, heavy-duty natural gas engines by world-class original equipment truck manufacturers like Navistar is accelerating the transition to natural gas fuel as a game-changer for heavy-duty trucking," said Andrew J. Littlefair, Clean Energy President and CEO. "We welcome the opportunity to work with Navistar to bring the benefits of clean, cost-effective, domestically abundant natural gas fuel to the company's trucking customer base."
By leveraging the company's existing integrated vehicle and powertrain platforms, Navistar will offer the broadest range of Class 6 through Class 8 CNG-/LNG-powered vehicles in the category. Clean Energy will provide a comprehensive CNG/LNG fueling solution to meet customer demands and aid in bringing new customers into the natural gas market.
Navistar and Clean Energy will work closely with the company's commercial truck dealers and fleet customers on the deployment of natural gas powered trucks and a natural gas distribution support system. Together, the companies will demonstrate how a natural gas integrated vehicle offering with the right distribution and fueling solution can be integrated into a fleet's operations to reduce costs and drive efficiencies. The strategic partnership will help accelerate the adoption of natural gas technologies by making it easier for customers to invest in the new technology, including incentives aimed at neutralizing the cost difference for the diesel fuel equivalent for those who purchase at least 1,000 diesel gallon equivalents of natural gas fuel each month.
Clean Energy Distribution Support
Clean Energy, the leading provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America, recently unveiled a route plan for the first phase of 150 new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations for America's Natural Gas Highway (ANGH). The company has identified 98 locations and anticipates having 70 stations open by the end of 2012 in 33 states.
Many of the fueling stations will be co-located at Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers already serving goods movement trucking through an exclusive agreement with Pilot to build, own and operate natural gas fueling facilities at agreed-upon travel centers. Pilot-Flying J is the nation's largest truck-stop operator with more than 550 retail properties in 47 states.
"The deployment of new, innovative, heavy-duty natural gas engines by world-class original equipment truck manufacturers like Navistar is accelerating the transition to natural gas fuel as a game-changer for heavy-duty trucking. We welcome the opportunity to work with Navistar to bring the benefits of clean, cost-effective, domestically-abundant natural gas fuel to its trucking customers," said James Harger, Chief Marketing Officer, Clean Energy.
Navistar's Product Offerings
Navistar will leverage its existing commercial truck and engine platforms to offer the broadest portfolio of integrated products for the natural gas market. The company will continue to offer International DuraStar® and WorkStar® vocational trucks with its natural gas powered MaxxForce® DT, developed in conjunction with Emissions Solutions Incorporated (ESI) of McKinney.
To meet the growing demands of the regional haul and class 7/8 vocational market Navistar will offer the Cummins-Westport ISL-G, in the International® TranStar and WorkStar. Additionally, Navistar will enter into a phase II developmental agreement with Clean Air Power Ltd. on the International ProStar, WorkStar and PayStar vocational trucks, powered by a diesel pilot injection LNG MaxxForce 13-liter engine.
"One of the major obstacles in customer transition to natural gas has been the lack of a gas powered range of engines designed to meet the multiple requirements without compromise," said Jim Hebe, Navistar senior vice president, North America Sales Operations. "Navistar—with its extended range of truck engines—is uniquely able to leverage engine platforms into the industry's broadest range of natural gas trucks. When the MaxxForce 13L is introduced in mid-2013, customers will have a capable range of natural engines and trucks, from 7.6 liter to 13 liter with horsepower ranging from 200 to 450."
Summary Facts: What makes Navistar, Clean Energy Alliance Unique?
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco® RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.
About Clean Energy
Clean Energy (Nasdaq: CLNE) is the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a global leader in the expanding natural gas vehicle market. It has operations in CNG and LNG vehicle fueling, construction and operation of CNG and LNG fueling stations, biomethane production, vehicle conversion and compressor technology. Today, Clean Energy fuels more than 25,000 vehicles at 273 strategic locations across the United States and Canada with a broad customer base in the refuse, transit, trucking, shuttle, taxi, airport and municipal fleet markets. Clean Energy del Peru, a joint venture, fuels vehicles and provides CNG to commercial customers in Peru. We own (70%) and operate a landfill gas facility in Dallas, Texas, that produces renewable natural gas, or biomethane, for delivery in the nation's gas pipeline network, and we plan to build a second facility in Michigan. We own and operate LNG production plants in Willis, Texas and Boron, Calif. with combined capacity of 260,000 LNG gallons per day and that are designed to expand to 340,000 LNG gallons per day as demand increases. NorthStar, a wholly owned subsidiary, is the recognized leader in LNG/LCNG (liquefied to compressed natural gas) fueling system technologies and station construction and operations. BAF Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a leading provider of natural gas vehicle systems and conversions for taxis, vans, pick-up trucks and shuttle buses. IMW Industries, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary based in Canada, is a leading supplier of compressed natural gas equipment for vehicle fueling and industrial applications with more than 1,200 installations in 24 countries. For more information, visit www.cleanenergyfuels.com
Navistar Advances Commitment to Natural Gas Through Partnership With Clean Energy
Company Commits to Comprehensive Natural Gas Product Strategy with Broad Range of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Offerings
LISLE, Ill., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced its launch of a comprehensive natural gas strategy, including integrated natural gas product offerings and a strategic partnership with Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE) that will provide customers with a sustainable, commercially viable solution for adding natural gas powered trucks to their fleets.
"Natural gas has clearly emerged as the most realistic alternative fuel option for the trucking industry," said Dan Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. "Together, Navistar and Clean Energy have come up with a breakthrough program that offers customers a quicker payback on their investment plus added fuel costs savings from day one of operation. When combined with Navistar's industry-leading dealer network and Clean Energy's unmatched fuel distribution system, customers can be confident that bringing natural gas vehicles into their fleets makes good business sense."
"We believe the deployment of new, innovative, heavy-duty natural gas engines by world-class original equipment truck manufacturers like Navistar is accelerating the transition to natural gas fuel as a game-changer for heavy-duty trucking," said Andrew J. Littlefair, Clean Energy President and CEO. "We welcome the opportunity to work with Navistar to bring the benefits of clean, cost-effective, domestically abundant natural gas fuel to the company's trucking customer base."
By leveraging the company's existing integrated vehicle and powertrain platforms, Navistar will offer the broadest range of Class 6 through Class 8 CNG-/LNG-powered vehicles in the category. Clean Energy will provide a comprehensive CNG/LNG fueling solution to meet customer demands and aid in bringing new customers into the natural gas market.
Navistar and Clean Energy will work closely with the company's commercial truck dealers and fleet customers on the deployment of natural gas powered trucks and a natural gas distribution support system. Together, the companies will demonstrate how a natural gas integrated vehicle offering with the right distribution and fueling solution can be integrated into a fleet's operations to reduce costs and drive efficiencies. The strategic partnership will help accelerate the adoption of natural gas technologies by making it easier for customers to invest in the new technology, including incentives aimed at neutralizing the cost difference for the diesel fuel equivalent for those who purchase at least 1,000 diesel gallon equivalents of natural gas fuel each month.
Clean Energy Distribution Support
Clean Energy, the leading provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America, recently unveiled a route plan for the first phase of 150 new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations for America's Natural Gas Highway (ANGH). The company has identified 98 locations and anticipates having 70 stations open by the end of 2012 in 33 states.
Many of the fueling stations will be co-located at Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers already serving goods movement trucking through an exclusive agreement with Pilot to build, own and operate natural gas fueling facilities at agreed-upon travel centers. Pilot-Flying J is the nation's largest truck-stop operator with more than 550 retail properties in 47 states.
"The deployment of new, innovative, heavy-duty natural gas engines by world-class original equipment truck manufacturers like Navistar is accelerating the transition to natural gas fuel as a game-changer for heavy-duty trucking. We welcome the opportunity to work with Navistar to bring the benefits of clean, cost-effective, domestically-abundant natural gas fuel to its trucking customers," said James Harger, Chief Marketing Officer, Clean Energy.
Navistar's Product Offerings
Navistar will leverage its existing commercial truck and engine platforms to offer the broadest portfolio of integrated products for the natural gas market. The company will continue to offer International DuraStar® and WorkStar® vocational trucks with its natural gas powered MaxxForce® DT, developed in conjunction with Emissions Solutions Incorporated (ESI) of McKinney.
To meet the growing demands of the regional haul and class 7/8 vocational market Navistar will offer the Cummins-Westport ISL-G, in the International® TranStar and WorkStar. Additionally, Navistar will enter into a phase II developmental agreement with Clean Air Power Ltd. on the International ProStar, WorkStar and PayStar vocational trucks, powered by a diesel pilot injection LNG MaxxForce 13-liter engine.
"One of the major obstacles in customer transition to natural gas has been the lack of a gas powered range of engines designed to meet the multiple requirements without compromise," said Jim Hebe, Navistar senior vice president, North America Sales Operations. "Navistar—with its extended range of truck engines—is uniquely able to leverage engine platforms into the industry's broadest range of natural gas trucks. When the MaxxForce 13L is introduced in mid-2013, customers will have a capable range of natural engines and trucks, from 7.6 liter to 13 liter with horsepower ranging from 200 to 450."
Summary Facts: What makes Navistar, Clean Energy Alliance Unique?
- Product Portfolio
- Navistar offers the broadest truck and engine offering Class 6 thru Class 8
- Availability/Distribution
- Commitment to support on-highway fueling requirements through Pilot/Flying J
- Capabilities to provide customer specific fueling stations
- Partnering with Navistar dealers and Idealease to meet on-site fueling needs
- Affordability of Technology
- Navistar is committed to provide CNG/LNG offerings that provide payback within range of customer expectations
- Through our partnership, Clean Energy and Navistar are offering an incentive program (Fuel and Truck) that will mitigate or equalize the cost of vehicle with diesel equivalent
- Economic Model makes CNG/LNG a viable fuel without incentives
- Clean Energy will guarantee fuel prices at a significant reduction from diesel for the term of 5 years
- Government subsidies and incentives not required to make the economic model work
- Support
- Navistar offers the broadest coverage in North America, nearly 800 outlets
- Providing facility training and building requirements
- Providing sales and service training for dealership technicians and sales staff
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco® RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.
About Clean Energy
Clean Energy (Nasdaq: CLNE) is the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a global leader in the expanding natural gas vehicle market. It has operations in CNG and LNG vehicle fueling, construction and operation of CNG and LNG fueling stations, biomethane production, vehicle conversion and compressor technology. Today, Clean Energy fuels more than 25,000 vehicles at 273 strategic locations across the United States and Canada with a broad customer base in the refuse, transit, trucking, shuttle, taxi, airport and municipal fleet markets. Clean Energy del Peru, a joint venture, fuels vehicles and provides CNG to commercial customers in Peru. We own (70%) and operate a landfill gas facility in Dallas, Texas, that produces renewable natural gas, or biomethane, for delivery in the nation's gas pipeline network, and we plan to build a second facility in Michigan. We own and operate LNG production plants in Willis, Texas and Boron, Calif. with combined capacity of 260,000 LNG gallons per day and that are designed to expand to 340,000 LNG gallons per day as demand increases. NorthStar, a wholly owned subsidiary, is the recognized leader in LNG/LCNG (liquefied to compressed natural gas) fueling system technologies and station construction and operations. BAF Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a leading provider of natural gas vehicle systems and conversions for taxis, vans, pick-up trucks and shuttle buses. IMW Industries, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary based in Canada, is a leading supplier of compressed natural gas equipment for vehicle fueling and industrial applications with more than 1,200 installations in 24 countries. For more information, visit www.cleanenergyfuels.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Electric Vehicles Come to Hawaii
Blog post from U.S. Dept. of Energy:
Last July, Governor Neil Abercrombie unveiled the first public charging station installed in the state capitol’s underground parking garage with the "Hawaii EV Ready" program. In 2011, rebates were approved for 237 electric vehicles and 168 chargers. | Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor.
Hawaii Energy Program Brings Electric Vehicles to the Big Island
January 31, 2012
Last July, Governor Neil Abercrombie unveiled the first public charging station installed in the state capitol’s underground parking garage with the "Hawaii EV Ready" program. In 2011, rebates were approved for 237 electric vehicles and 168 chargers. | Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor. Hawaii is the most oil dependent state in the nation with more than 95 percent of its energy supplied by imported fossil fuels. Gas and electricity prices are also far above the national average. To increase its energy independence, Hawaii is revving up its state electric vehicle program, “EV Ready,” thanks to $4.5 million in funding from the Energy Department’s State Energy Program and the Recovery Act.
As part of the program administered by Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), residents and businesses can apply for rebates and grants to purchase electric vehicles and construct charging stations. In 2011, rebates were approved for 237 electric vehicles and 168 chargers.
Last July, Governor Neil Abercrombie unveiled the first public charging station installed in the state capitol’s underground parking garage. Since then, five additional charging stations have been installed at state-owned buildings in Honolulu, and another eight chargers at the motor pool for the state's new fleet of electric vehicles.
The state awarded another $2.6 million in Recovery Act funds to six organizations charged with promoting, installing and deploying charging stations and electric vehicles across the state. Those organizations so far have installed 220 charging stations at 120 sites, introduced 18 EVs to public and private fleets, promoted the benefits of EVs to the hospitality industry and developed the "Hawaii EV Ready Guidebook."
Transportation fuel accounts for 30 percent of liquid fuel consumption in the state, or 75 million gallons per year. Measures associated with the EV Ready program aim to reduce Hawaii’s ground transportation fuel use by 70 percent by 2030.
The EV Ready program aligns with the goals of the broader Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), a public-private partnership between Hawaii, the Energy Department and other governmental and private groups. The initiative intends to generate 40 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, and implement energy efficiency measures to cut energy demand by 30 percent.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
EV Technology Accelerates in Colorado
From U.S. Dept. of Energy blog:
Arun Majumdar speaks at Idaho National Lab (INL) during a visit to the site earlier this week. | Photo courtesy of INL.
Arun Majumdar speaks at Idaho National Lab (INL) during a visit to the site earlier this week. | Photo courtesy of INL.
What does this mean for me?
- One of 48 advanced battery and electric drive projects across the country funded by Recovery Act.
- U.S. will have increased capacity to produce electric-drive vehicles batteries from virtually zero in 2008 up to 500,000 per year in 2015.
While the North American International Auto Show began this week in Detroit, ARPA-E Director Arun Majumadar is visiting another town on the cutting edge of vehicle R&D – Longmont, Colorado, home of UQM Technologies.
Beginning with their first all-composite, battery-electric passenger vehicle in the 1970s, the company has been in the electrification business for 35 years, and is no stranger to the benefits of government-industry partnerships.
Over the years, both the Energy Department and the federal government at large have successfully collaborated with UQM – which has received Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards from the Defense Department as far back as 1983 and received SBIR funding from Energy for eight different projects in electric motors and machines. In 2006, UQM received funding from EERE’s Vehicle Technologies Program via the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership to design an advanced permanent magnet motor for use in electric drive vehicles.
In 2009, following the success of the FreedomCAR project, UQM was awarded $45 million in Recovery Act funding to support the development of two types of Electric Vehicle (EV) systems: a propulsion/generator system for battery electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles, and power assist motor/generators for parallel hybrid trucks and buses. As a result of this funding, UQM was able to build the Longmont, CO facility that Dr. Majumdar is visiting today. This site alone has the capacity to produce systems for 120,000 electric drive vehicles a year.
In keeping with emerging EV technologies, last year the Vehicles Technology Program also awarded $3 million to UQM to develop a non-rare-earth permanent magnet motor architecture, which will enable the use of low energy magnet technology. Engineering teams at several national labs will work with UQM’s engineers to develop the technology, which will support more affordable and efficient EV technologies and eliminate the need to utilize rare earth metals in these advanced engines.
It’s partnerships like this that are powering the commercialization of emerging EV technology. In fact, UQM’s recent agreement with Electric Vehicles International (EVI) and UPS to produce systems for 100 all-electric delivery vans is not only a great business success, but will be the largest deployment of a zero-tailpipe delivery fleet in California. As a National Clean Fleets Partner, UPS is a leader in reducing oil use in their fleet, and estimates that the use of these vehicles will displace 126,000 gallons of fuel a year that would have been burned running diesel trucks.
Partnerships like these across the private and public sectors are the kind of investments that are helping America win the clean energy race. Including UQM, the Recovery Act provided $2.4 billion in funding to 48 advanced battery and electric drive projects across the country, funding 30 new manufacturing plants like the one Dr. Majumdar is visiting today. Because of these investments, the U.S. will have increased our capacity to produce electric-drive vehicles batteries from virtually zero in 2008 up to 500,000 per year in 2015.
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