Clean Fleet Reporthybrid & electric cars smart charged with renewable energy
Electric Vehicle and Smart Grid Networks
Thousands of electric cars are now communicating with owner’s smart phones, charging stations, and service networks. These EVs plug into smart grids that use network communications to charge off-peak, monitor and improve reliability. When I use my Blink EVSE to charge my Nissan Leaf, the charger sends a packet of info to the charging network every 15 minutes using Sprint. The charger is communications-ready supporting CDMA, Wi-Fi, and powerline communications.
Early Owners Love Their Chevrolet Volts
Jackson Browne told me that he has only used 8 gallons of gasoline for the 2,000 miles that he has driven his Chevrolet Volt. Jackson is famous as a signer, songwriter, and inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When it comes to oil, coal, and nuclear, Jackson knows that we are “Running on Empty.” For over 25 years, he has lived off-grid using solar power and wind energy. Now he rides on sunlight, charging his Chevy Volt with renewable energy. Only on a few long trips, has he needed a little gasoline.
Largest Solar Parking Structures Provide MW Electricity
It takes a lot of electricity to run Dow Jones, one of the world’s largest publishers and information providers. Dow Jones is now generating 3.6 MW of its own electricity with Solaire Generation Solar Parking Canopies. The Arizona VA Hospital is installing 2.9 MW of solar panels from Kyocera and REC Group covering several parking lots. Live from Intersolar Conference.
Google’s 70 Charge Stations for Employee Electric Cars and GFleet
Google has deployed more than 70 charging stations at its worldwide headquarters in Mountain View, CA. Over 100 employees who own electric cars use the charging stations, as well as the company’s growing car sharing program for Googlers (GFleet), which includes Chevrolet Volts, Nissan LEAFs and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrids. With plans for 250 more charging stations on its campus, and a goal to make 5 percent of its campus parking EV-ready, Google’s installation is the largest workplace charging installation for electric vehicles in the country.
Mitsubishi i Electric Car Can Be Reserved for $29,195
The new Mitsubishi I, bigger and with more zip for the U.S. market, can now be reserved at a low price of $29,195 that will challenge the Nissan LEAF, Ford Focus Electric, and Honda Fit Electric. Reservations can now be made, with different models and options now priced. My 15-mile test drive of the Mitsubishi demonstrated that it can handle freeways, steep roads, and tight parking spots.
3.2 Million Electric Vehicles and 4.7 Million Charge Points Forecast for 2015
A total of 3.2 million plug-in electric vehicles will be sold worldwide by 2015is forecasted by Pike Research. Annual EV sales will cross the 1 million mark for the first time during the same year. More than 4.7 million EV charge points will be installed globally by 2015. Pike Research forecasts that in the United States, the top cities for EV adoption between 2011 and 2017 will be New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Chicago
Oakland Airport Adds 15 Charging Spaces for Electric Cars
I silently guided my Nissan LEAF into space 14 reserved for electric cars at the Oakland International Airport (OAK). Already plugged in to other spaces were Chevrolet Volts, Tesla Roadsters, a converted Prius plug-in hybrid, and a Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Supporting the 15 preferred parking spaces were eight Coulomb ChargePoint Dual Level 2/1 Charging Stations.
Electric Car Public Charging Stations – Range Solution or Battle Ground?
By Tom Bartley (5/12/11). electric cars were meant to be charged at home during the off peak night time hours. Depending on a public charging station is going to be a real crap shoot. As the number of plugin cars increase, the EV drivers could grow to hate each other because of competition for a [...]
SDG&E Charges 1,000 Electric Cars with Smart Grid
San Diego Gas and Electric may be the world’s first utility to smart charge 1,000 electric cars through a smart grid. This electric utility, which services 3.4 million people, has been installing an extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding its electricity generation to 33 percent renewable, and implementing a smart grid. In many ways, the three initiatives support each other. Over 200 Nissan LEAFs and Chevrolet Volts are charging by using the utilities smart grid.
China Plans 220,000 EV Charge Points and 2,351 Battery Switch Stations
China leads the world with over 100 million riding e-scooters, e-bikes, and light-electric vehicles. By December 2015, China plans to have 500,000 electric vehicles that can travel slow streets to fast highways. Those EV will be supported with 220,000 charge points and 2,351 battery swap stations in the nation’s latest plans. China’s 12th Five Year Plan is summarized in a new Deutsche Bank (DB) report.
Mitsubishi i Test Drive – Best Electric Car starting at $29,125
Mitsubishi has sold more electric cars than Nissan and more than Chevrolet. I can see why as I test-drive the Mitsubishi I all over Monterey. I glide in stealth mode in city stop-go traffic. I accelerate around a slow poke faster than in the Think EV. When I turn, the stability is solid. It climbs a 16 percent grade with remarkable ease. Before tax incentives, this city electric car is likely to price below $29,900, making EVs available to an expanding market.
Proximity Charging Google’s Electric Cars
Google is now showing us how to charge hands-free. No plug. No cord. Using Evatran Plugless Power’s inductive charging system, one of Google’s maintenance short-range EVs parks in close proximity of the charger and charging begins. Google is also conducting other important pilots including testing the new Toyota Prius Plug-in, not a conversion, but the 2012 model from Toyota. Soon, Google will be testing the Honda Fit Electric and other plug-in cars. Several Google founders drive Tesla Roadsters.
Electric Car Charging Stations – California Adds 2,780 in Bay Area
In 1990, the San Francisco Bay Area was home to 6 million people. By 2050, it will be home to 9 million yet the air will be cleaner and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced. Electric car buying will accelerate with 2,750 chargers in Bay Area residences, as well as a fast charger program that that seeks to deploy 30 fast chargers for public use at key transportation corridor sites in the region.
Electric Vehicles: 10 Predictions for 2011
Electric vehicle (EV) market introductions will get into high gear in 2011, accompanied by the arrival of charging station networks. During the course of 2011 many consumers will form their early impressions of the EV driving experience. Pike Research has prepared a white paper that makes 10 predictions about how the market will unfold during 2011.
Will your Utility be ready for your Networked EV?
Yes, your electric utility will be ready to charge your new electric car if you live in the right city. Your odds improve if you live in one of 18 cities, own a house that uses air conditioning, has a garage, and have new underground power lines. If you live in an apartment with no garage, especially in a non-priority city, then get ready to be a brave pioneer. My report from the GTM Research and Greentech Media’s Networked EV conference.
