Why and how to joyfully move our butts around town, without mucking the place up.

Clean Energy and Transportation News for October 2018

Department of Energy Announces $53 Million in New Projects to Advance Solar Technologies

(October 23, 2018)

Electrify America to install Ohio Turnpike's first electric vehicle charging stations

(October 22, 2018)

Electrify America expanding EV charging network

(October 18, 2018)

The multiple EV charging networks with differing membership capabilities have been a big hindrance for public EV charging. EV owners have had to maintain memberships in multiple networks, and have faced the challenge of only charging at stations where they have a membership. This agreement enables "roaming" similar to how we are able to use any ATM machine -- meaning they're implementing a system of agreements with other EV charging operators to form a larger charging network.

Department of Energy Announces $46 Million to Improve Resiliency of Solar Generation

(October 15, 2018)

Honda demonstrates new smart intersection technology enabling vehicles to virtually see through and around buildings

(October 4, 2018)

Volkswagen accelerates e-mobility for the masses

(October 4, 2018)

Volkswagen has been making big claims for years, that VW would be the prominent electric vehicle seller offering a full range of EV's. Here they are again making a big claim. VW is asking us to believe that during 2010 they'll sell 150,000 electric cars of which 100,000 will be the VW I.D. and VW I.D. SUV. VW plans to jump from zero ID sales to 100,000 per year over the next 2 years. But, how will that be done?To do that VW has developed the MEB vehicle architecture.

Audi unveils E-Tron FE05 for new Formula E Season

(October 4, 2018)

Electrify America announces second $200 million zero emission vehicle investment plan for California

(October 3, 2018)

Volkswagen's investment into Electrify America is increasing.

Mazda announces electrification and connectivity strategy for cars that invigorate mind and body

(October 2, 2018)

Mazda is all about engines, and therefore one should not be surprised to learn their "electrification strategy" is "compact, lightweight electrification technologies while further refining the internal combustion engine". As Mazda puts it, internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to be in the majority of new cars for years to come. Either Mazda is stuck in engines, or they're aptly pointing out the conversion to fully electric drive will take years to accomplish.

Porsche definitively enters the electric era with the new Taycan

(October 2, 2018)

Porsche is throwing down quite a lot of money and investment - new employees - new production facilities - for the purpose of "electrification". Notice in the title for the press release Porsche used the word "electric", but in the body they used the word "electrification". However they are describing a fully electric sports car and the advantages of moving to an 800 volt drive-train. It's a matter of physics, with the same wiring thickness Porsche can move double the wattage with their 800 volt system versus a 400 volt system. This enables ultra-fast charging at 350 kW, and higher power delivery for all subsystems.