Consider this an open invitation to get on the plug-in hybrid bandwagon. Plug-in hybrids, for those not in the know, are hybrids whose batteries can be recharged by the grid. By running in electric-only mode as much as possible, emissions are reduced and efficiencies gained.
The other week, I visited Prof. Andrew Frank at UC Davis, the popularly acclaimed father of the plug-in hybrid. Impressive stuff.
Among the many vehicles his students have built, he's got a Chevy Equinox -- a smallish SUV -- retrofitted with a 1.6L engine with a continuously variable drive transmission and a lithium ion battery pack that holds about 15 kWh of juice. It can go 60 miles on battery-only, and 100 mpg in all-day driving conditions. If you recharged every night, it could go across the country on one tank of gasoline (runs on e85). Performance? 320 horsepower, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds (vs 9.5 sec stock).
The benefits of plugging in are many.
It's cheaper. The electric engine converts the stored electrical energy to motive force with something like three times the efficiency of the conversion of oil energy to motive force. So, running in electric mode is approximately the equivalent of $1/gal gasoline.
It's cleaner. Just how much cleaner is a matter of dispute and geography, but assuming a grid mix based upon the average composition of U.S. generation, plug-in hybrids reduce carbon dioxide emissions roughly 40%, well to wheels. EPRI and NRDC are coming out with a definitive geo-specific study on the subject in the next few months.
That's a big deal. But as excited as I am about the grid's ability to green transportation, the potential addition of millions of batteries to the grid is a huge opportunity for renewable resources, like wind and solar, that suffer from intermittency and non-dispatchability.
Here's an NREL study (PDF) that estimates that plug-in vehicles, by providing reserve capacity, could double the amount of cost-effective wind projects.
Also interesting is the idea of two-way relationship where vehicles could feed electricity back into the grid (V2G in the parlance). More here.
And by the way? $%@! Ford.
We are fighting an interminable war for oil, scientists tell us we have a global warming apocalypse of our own making on our hands, and Ford's average fuel economy hasn't made much progress since the Model T. Meanwhile, a bunch of college kids in a garage that doubles as a basketball court -- and probably dance floor during homecoming -- make a 100 MPG car every semester. I say $%@! Ford for not even trying.
If you want to do something about it, I invite you to use this handy DIY packet developed by Plug-in-Partners, and be a part of the campaign to encourage car makers to bring these world-saving-mobiles to market. First step: get your town to pass a resolution supporting plug-in vehicles (check here for a list of cities already signed on).
Comments
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Jason D Scorse Posted 7:17 am
25 Aug 2006
J.S.
Assistant Professor
Monterey Institute of International Studies
http://policy.miis.edu/faculty/faculty.html?id=171
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Biodiversivist Posted 2:50 pm
25 Aug 2006
This concept of killing two birds with one stone is a good one. I do the same with the lithium batteries on my electric bike. They also drive my power tools. That is another way of saying they cost half as much. If utilities can give electric car owners a break on their electric bills, essentially renting their car batteries, you would get the same cost lowering leverage.
In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Help acquire and protect ecological hotspots, give to a conservation organization: http://www.saveourbiodiversity.com
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Maywa Montenegro Posted 8:37 pm
25 Aug 2006
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amazingdrx Posted 10:38 pm
25 Aug 2006
How about some real welfare reform? Corporate welfare reform.
Cut the subsidies to fossil, nuclear, and agribizz fuel farming energy schemes, all borrowed in the name of future taxpayers to provide corporate welfare. Make these lazy bastards get off the dole.
Spend half that money on direct tax incentives to consumers to buy plugin hybrids, electric cars, and solar and wind power. Gas guzzlers get 1000s in "rebates" to buy a hummer, thanks to corporate welfare.
How about shifting that to give say a 2000 dollar tax cut to buyers of plugin hybrids? And spend the other half of savings from eliminating corporate welfare to pay down the huge deficit?
Tell your local, state, and federal candidate of choice that unless they agree to vote to eliminate corporate welfare your vote will go to someone who will.
Send an email to them with a link to this discussion along with that guarantee right now.
Just copy and paste. http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2006/8/25/132857/180/#3
Enter their name in google and find their email address. It's easy.
http://amazngdrx.blogharbor.com/blog
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caniscandida Posted 10:53 pm
25 Aug 2006
Or am I reading too much into this???
Anyway, here is a letter, submitted recently by a New Yorker, of our acquaintance, to the New York Times, to the City Section Editor. It was written in response to an Op-Ed piece in the City Section, last Sunday, by a former pro-bicycle advocate, and ex-NYC resident.
Dear Editor of the City Section:
The project to increase New York City's network of bike paths and bike lanes, which Andrew Vesselinovitch tried so hard to implement, only to end his tenure as director of the bicycle program in frustration and disappointment, remains praiseworthy. It is especially to be recommended, in view of the global warming crisis, which should be urgently prompting all of us to find ways to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels.
In fact, I would go further than Mr. Vesselinovitch, and support any serious attempt to reduce traffic in the city. For starters, the program that London initiated not long ago, by which drivers are charged a fee to be permitted to drive in that city's central district, has reportedly worked very well, and ought to be an inspiration for traffic planners here. How about this: Designate a pay-to-drive district between 59th Street and a cordon south and east of Downtown Brooklyn; erect no-charge parking garages near the access points; create a fleet of hybrid or electric taxis and buses; create a fleet of bicycle-rickshaws; and make bicycles available for temporary use.
Best wishes to Mr. Vesselinovitch in his new venture in Chicago. We can have no doubt that he will continue to do what he can to encourage New York City to follow Chicago's example, by growing ever more green, and more humane.
Sincerely,
Marcus Stephanus
etc.
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Biodiversivist Posted 1:53 am
26 Aug 2006
In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Help acquire and protect ecological hotspots, give to a conservation organization: http://www.saveourbiodiversity.com
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Maywa Montenegro Posted 3:54 am
26 Aug 2006
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bookerly Posted 10:01 am
26 Aug 2006
CCTV9 had on it's business news last night an interview with a company I got as "Bright Li" (though I can't find it on the web). They have an all electric car that can charge in 1-3 hours (using what they call a Li-ion battery). These are tiny cars (bright yellow was the one I saw on TV) which get up to 200 KM on a charge. The cost per KM was quoted as being about 12 cents (in China).
They intend to make 30-50,000 a year for the European market.
I sometimes see similar reports on research from Japan and India.
The US car companies can get on board, or drown. By the time they decide to get involved, the rest of the world will have a developed technology (or several) and factories ready and waiting.
Dumb, dumb, dumb.
patrick
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Biodiversivist Posted 1:05 pm
26 Aug 2006
In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Help acquire and protect ecological hotspots, give to a conservation organization: http://www.saveourbiodiversity.com
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bookerly Posted 5:01 pm
26 Aug 2006
BioDiversivist,
That is interesting. Electric bikes are increasing popular here. (One of the Chinese teachers just bought one). Also of interest, while the government is encouraging research into electric (and other) cars, so far, they haven't set standards for them, so that electric cars are not for sale here. (There is a suggestion that the standards are coming soon).
Meanwhile, they are tightening the emission standards for cars and trucks (they follow the EU model which is said to be stricter than the US model).
It does look like electric cars are coming from somewhere (and probably a number of somewheres, except the US) in the next couple of years.
Not all the solutions to global warming, but a good start!!!
Alas, it won't do a thing about traffic jams (so I will stay on my bike as much as possible).
patrick
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caniscandida Posted 11:10 pm
26 Aug 2006
Profitable for the cyclists, apparently: Fetishists are coughing up $100 for a pair of damp socks, worn by presumably cute guys. Unclear whether they need to get as well a good head shot, with good sun, of the sun-tanned, blond, 20-year-old.
Chickens are our cousins!
So are other sensitive animals!
Enough is enough!
No more factory farms!
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amazingdrx Posted 3:06 am
27 Aug 2006
http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2006/08/paratra...
I think you are right Harvey, China will leapfrog to EVs and sell them at Walmart for 14k. Right after they assume 51% control of the biggest box store.
A 75 mile range, 15 minute charge. with a 2000 dollar extra battery pack that will boost the mileage to 150 miles. It will be slow and small but very popular.
Energy cost equivalent to 75 cents per gallon/40 miles of driving. Compared to 3 bucks for a gas powered econobox. Sized about like a minicooper.
ESP or delusional thinking, we'll see? Hehey.
http://amazngdrx.blogharbor.com/blog
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amazingdrx Posted 3:29 am
27 Aug 2006
No more manufacturing. The flight of capital to low wage and enviro/health safety regulation.
The only other alternative seems to be to open up the borders to anyone who wants to work at whatever wages or working conditions. Then institute industry self (no) regulation across the continent.
Is it worth it? No. Tourism is a great alternative. Do it yourselfers and small business can then convert the economy that remains to renewable energy.
With tourism jobs to rely on people will need to rely on mother nature to afford to live a quality existence.
http://amazngdrx.blogharbor.com/blog
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bookerly Posted 4:20 am
27 Aug 2006
Sorry I missed your comments about Rickshaws, dear young CanisCandida! Perhaps you could work on one and sell your socks for pin money. (smile).
Tours by rickshaw are still fairly popular in China, especially around the "old" areas of Beijing.
They are, of course, bicycle rickshaws, not the pulled kind.
There are also three wheeled carts (electric and gas, mostly gas) that deliver people short distances, and some electric rickshaws. We have pretty much every combination of vehicle possible (including three wheeled trucks for hauling loads, and mule carts!).
San Francisco has bicycle rickshaws, I don't know how popular they are, but it is hilly there, so their range is somewhat limited.
As to the hybrid motors, I forgot to post the cost of the Chinese cars, they mentioned less than 20,000. But was that Euros, dollars or Yuan? Big difference, and I cannot find it.
Soon, all of this will be happening relativey soon.
patrick
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