Site Purpose |
Climate Modification |
My Truck |
My LEAF |
My RAV4-EV |
My Bolt |
Solar | The Problem |
Gas/Coal Infrastructure |
Oil & Corn |
Flex Fuel |
Fuel Cell |
|
|
21st Century Electric Car |
Long Ranger |
Power & Speed |
National Security |
Peak Oil |
Celebrity Video |
Electric Vehicles |
Toyota RAV4-EV |
Battery Tech |
About me |
Site Index |
"It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than an attempt to introduce innovations. For the leader in the introduction of changes will have for his enemies all those who profit under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new."
Niccolo Machiavelli,
"The Prince and The Discourses", Chapter 6,
written in 1513, the same year Juan Ponce de Leon landed in Florida.
My RAV4-EV purchased November 2013.
|
As EPT2, after six years was in need of a new battery pack, and since the
field of production electric cars was widening
I decided not to invest more in the truck and buy a production EV. With the help of some friends,
I found a used RAV4-EV at Downtown Toyota in Los Angeles.
Charging
As with the LEAF I had the RAV4-EV portable cord that came with the car converted to 220 volts.
This cord only supplies the car with 12 amps at 110 volts or 220 volts. I ended up using this
cord for both the LEAF and the RAV4-EV because the RAV4-EV is not compatible.
The Jesla is a Tesla UMC (Universal Mobil Connector) which Quick Charge Power has replaced the Tesla connector with a J1772 50 amp connector. The Jesla portable EVSE provides maximum output and charging flexability. Improperly Wired 110 Volt Receptacle
It may not be easy to provide a ground. In this case the quick and dirty solution is to tie neutral and ground together. The EVSE will accept this and charge. This can be dangerous if you do not know which pin is neutral. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. The best approach is to be prepared with the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment. I use the Sperry Instruments GFCI Outlet Tester. Sperry Outlet Tester The problem with any outlet tester is that although they can detect open ground or hot neutral reverse, they can't detect hot neutral reverse in the presence of an open ground. The only tool that can detect hot neutral reverse where no ground exists is the Fluke VoltAlert or another brand's similar tool. Fluke VoltAlert I use the outlet tester to see if there is an open ground. It is likely the case in these old motels. I use the VoltAlert to determine which pin is hot. The VoltAlert should indicate the small pin is hot. If the large pin is hot, hot and neutral are reversed. I have modified a two prong male to three prong female adapter by using afile to file the large prong down to the same size as the small prong. This allows the adapter to be inserted upside down thus correcting the reversed polarity. The last tool in this kit is an adapter I made which is a NEMA 5-15P to a NEMA 5-15R. This is wired internally so that ground and neutral are tied together. When this adapter is plugged into a properly polarized groundless outlet, or when plugged into my upside down adapter correcting polarity in a groundless revesed polarity outlet, you have a NEMA 5-15R which will be acceptable to your EVSE. Safety None of the practices you find here are recommendations and in no way warrantied by me. I am simply sharing my experience. They say nothing succeeds like success. If you want to try to duplicate my success yourself, you do so at your own risk. Let me address some practices that some will see as safety issues. I am not an electrician. I have a cursory understanding of "the code". I also know that "code" requirements vary by location. When the unusual practices I have used in an emergency are questioned with regard to safety, such questions are not without merit. Safety deserves due consideration. Here are my thoughts on the safety of these practices. There are permanent wiring standards and temporary standards. Temporary wiring standards are more lenient and allow things that are not allowed in permanent wiring standards. For safety reasons it is important that temporary wiring be disconnected and removed from permanent wiring when not in use. It is important not to leave adapters connected to the wall that can safely be used with your EVSE but are not safe for use with other appliances or electronic equipment. Simply disconnecting your EVSE from the adapter while leaving the adapter plugged into the wall is inviting trouble. Store adapters that are only safe for use with your EVSE together with your EVSE. Do not remove safety labels from adapters. Where adapters are unlabeled and are not universally safe and foolproof label them as to their appropriate use. With regard to the issue of an adapter with neutral and ground tied together, it has been said that this adapter will compromise the grounding system in the permanently wired system it is plugged in to. I use this carefully labeled adapter only in an emergency in an outlet I have carefully determined to have no ground. The safety principle that applies in this case is that you can't compromise the grounding system in a system that has no ground. If you do not fully understand these practices or are not comfortable with the safety of them, do not use them. |
My Chevy Bolt purchased April 2017.
|
I was planning a Florida to New York road trip on the auto train in the RAV4-EV when I attended an event at Maher Chevrolet in
St. Petersburg, Florida. My initial reaction was it was a great car but I had no intention of trading my RAV4-EV at that time.
As I continued planning my New York trip of about 1,600 miles of driving, I could see that the trip would be much easier in the Bolt.
After much soul searching, on April 3, 2017 I went back to St. Petersburg and purchased the Bolt LT.
Who is buying the Bolt?
"70 percent of Bolt EV buyers are new to the Chevrolet brand"
Charging If you drive less than 50 miles a day you can charge overnight at 110 volts and 12 amps on a dedicated circuit or a circuit with no other appliance running on that circuit. If you drive less than 100 miles a day you can charge overnight at 220 and 12 amps using the Bolt portable charging cord that came with the car and an adapter in an existing 220 volt outlet or one you have installed. I only used this a few times for testing purposes because it is limited to 12 amps and the LEAF cord supplies both the LEAF and the Bolt with 16 amps. Adapter allows Bolt portable charge cord to be used at 220 volts. The EVSE that came with the car never pulls more than 12 amps from a 240 Volt source. As such a L6-15 will be more than enough. However, if you think you ever might replace the EVSE that came with the car with another EVSE such as a Clipper Creek HCS-40P or the HCS-50p with a NEMA 14-50 plug,then you may want to just install the 14-50 now. Using a higher current outlet for a lower current device, although it will work fine and not trip the breaker, risks a failure in the lower current device not tripping the circuit breaker causing the device to continue drawing excessive current and failing catastrophically with a possible fire in the device. EVSE failures causing fires are very unlikely. The greater the disparity between the EVSE draw and the outlet rating, the more likely a failure in the EVSE will fail to trip the breaker and become catastrophic. Clearly, the disparity in ratings will not be the cause of any failure. The low draw of the cord that came with the car makes this arrangement somewhat concerning when using low rated EVSE in high rated outlet. When a higher rated outlet is used it can be installed with correct wire for the outlet being installed and a breaker rated 20% higher than the expected draw. If and when the outlet is to be used with a higher rated EVSE, the circuit breaker can easily be upgraded. Extension Cord
I purchased the Jdapter for my trip to New York in the Bolt. It allows the Bolt to charge at its maximum rate of 32 amps. Most public level 2 charging stations are 30 amps or less. Jdapter allows the Bolt or any J1772 EV to charge at a Tesla destination EVSE. Global DC Quick Charging Although this is posted here in the Bolt section, it has general applicability. If you are driving a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) on road trips beyond the range of your car in the US, there are some things you should understand. This topic is complex. If you want to understand charging in general and quick charging in particular world wide. See the link below. If your driving is limited to the US, you will encounter Chademo, CCS and Tesla superchargers. Typically Asian manufacturers selling cars in the US provide a Chademo Quick Charge port. US and European manufacturers selling cars in the US provide the SAE version of the CCS Quick Charge port. Tesla cars sold in the US provide the US Supercharger port. With a Tesla provided adapter, Tesla cars can use Chademo Quick Charge Stations. There are many Chademo only Quick Charge Stations in the US. Most of the newer non Tesla Quick Charge Stations are both Chademo and CCS in the US. Chademo is standard world wide. A Chademo car can Quick Charge at any Chademo Quick Charge Station anywhere in the world. A US CCS car can not Quick Charge in Europe. A US Tesla can not supercharge in Europe. "A Field Guide to electric vehicle service equipment" Charge Port Light When cut to the right length this item fits perfectly around the perimeter of the charge port. I purchased the green. I got mine from Home Depot. Home Depot LED Necklace Chevy.com LED Necklace Charging Etiquette EV Charging Protocol Card Tips Hilltop Reserve
If you want to enjoy maximum regen right from the start after charging
avoid doing a full 100% charge by using Hilltop Reserve.
Transport Mode The intent of the feature is to prolong battery stand time. You may want to use the mode if the vehicle is going to be stored. The method to turn the mode off is the same to turn the mode on.
To turn the Transport Mode On/Off, Note: Normal Vehicle Diagnostics and Service Procedures Should Not Be Performed when Transport Mode is Active. Turn Off Transport Mode Prior to Performing System Checks or Service Procedures.
When the Transport Mode is on (active), enter the vehicle using the steps below.
1- Attempt to unlock the vehicle with the FOB. Radio
The radio in the Bolt comes on every time you start the car.
For many, I'm sure, this is a nice feature.
For me it is annoying. I don't listen to the radio.
I know I am not the only one. Others have the same complaint.
Range
"The Bolt EV is tested in its standard Drive mode, which represents the lowest amount of regenerative capability; Low mode, which ratchets up braking capability, recaptures more energy and could make for even better driving range in the real world."
Loss of Propulsion
Although there have been some posts elsewhere about the use of Torque Pro with the Bolt and lots of talk bout loss of propulsion due to one or more weak cells, I haven’t seen Torque Pro used to display all 96 cell group voltages in a single panel. Here is the link you need to setup Torque for the Bolt.
I set mine up on my ASUS Transformer Prime Android tablet. I use the
Veepeak Upgraded WiFi OBD2 Scanner which costs $28.99.
The task of setting up the display of 96 data points with two digit precision took some time, but is worth the effort.
I am happy to share the layout if you want it.
Knowing my pack is healthy now and being able to monitor voltages in the future makes me much more comfortable with the Bolt. Especially on trips.
The car was at 76% SOC when this data was captured.
Shifting in the Bolt
After starting the car the initial shift requires you to press and hold the button on the side of the lever with your thumb. This is necessary whether going into Drive or Reverse. All shifts into Reverse require that you press the button on the side with your thumb while shifting. However, you can toggle between Drive and Low without using that button. Simply pull back on the lever. You can shift to Neutral by pushing forward on the shift lever.
Brake lights in "L" mode
One peddle driving is engaged by puttin the shift lever in "L". People sometimes express concern that if you don't use the brake peddle the brake lights wont come on. Not to worry, brake lights work just like you were using the brake peddle.
Once you are stopped they turn off. So put your foot on the brake while
waiting for traffic light to change.
Accessories
Dash Cover
Windshild glare from the Dashboard can be a problem at times. This product provides an attractive and effective solution. I ordered color #51 which is black suede.
Dash Cover - Chevrolet Bolt 2017-2018
Driver's Rear View Mirror Glare
Glare from the white portion of the Dashboard can cause a reflection obscuring the drive's side view mirror at times. This product provides an effective solution.
Self adhesive protective felt. It has been on there now for about a year. It doesn't look bad and is adhereing well. Self Sticking Felt Dash Cover Windshild glare from the Dashboard can be a problem at times. This product provides an attractive and effective solution. I ordered color #51 which is black suede.
Dash Cover - Chevrolet Bolt 2017-2018
Key Fob Cover Sometimes when I have the key fob in my pocket and I lean up against the car, I set off the alarm. I bought this cover and put the key fob in backwards with a piece of stiff paper over the buttons. This would be a problem if you use the key fob buttons which I never do.
In any case it is a good quality well fitting cover even if used as intended.
Modifications
Trunk I have removed the insert under the trunk floor and cut the protruding screws short so I can store charging accessories etc. I have a 3/16" aluminum plate cut in half as my new trunk floor. In a rear end collision the rear plate will slide under the front plate. I have stored here my Jesla portable UMC with adapters in a Nissan LEAF case, my Jdapter, a 12 volt tire air compressor, a tire repair kit, a 12 volt booster battery, a 50 foot 12 gauge extension cord, my 110 volt two prong outlet kit, my supplemental adapter kit for outlets not supported by Jesla and some other small items. It has been observed that the foam insert may be part of the rear crash protection. On the other hand it may not be.
Consider the shape of the depression. Consider the fact that it is used by GM for
the sub Woofer. Consider that my wheel well space is not empty. The space in the photo
is mostly empty.
So I would say if you are not comfortable with the safety of this modification,
don't do it. If you do, you do so at your own risk.
Towing
Here is a Chevy Bolt trailer hitch rated for 200 pounds tongue weight and 2,000 pounds towing weight.
This should not be taken as a recommendation to use the Bolt for towing. This is included for information only. Use the Bolt to tow at your own risk.
From the Ownes Manual "Driving and Operating page 199.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle. This vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.How to wire the Bolt for connecting trailer lights.
Towing Safety
The GVWR of the Bolt is 4467 and the curb weight of between 3563 lbs. and 3580 lbs. With a driver and no passengers or cargo, you have a towing capacity of 750 lbs. GVWR for a trailer at best without exceeding the GVWR of the Bolt. If you exceed the GVWR of the Bolt, you will lengthen the car's stopping distance.
There is a difference between traveling cross country at highway speeds while towing
and driving around town five or ten miles at 35 or 40 mph while towing.
Towing Laws
|
Plug-in, we have the technology,
the all electric Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt are the proof. |
Over time the purpose of this site has changed from advocating for the feasibility of the electric car
to documenting my experience with production electric cars I have owned and driven over the recent years.
Ten years ago the only production EV was the Tesla Roadster. The best example of a tried and true EV was
the RAV4-EV, many of which were crushed, and last one of which was produced in 2003.
Today, in 2017, we have proof of concept in a score of models from a dozen manufacturers. The modern EV has evolved since its revival in 2011 when there were just two affordable plug-in cars from Nissan and Chevy. We have advanced from sub 100 mile cars to plus 200 mile cars. At this point people have questions about their new EV or seek help in selecting the right new or used EV to meet their needs. My purpose now is to share my experience with interested drivers more than persuade those less interested. After viewing the movie "Who Killed The Electric Car?", I was moved to buy my 1999 Ford Ranger and convert it to a battery electric vehicle. It is said that marketing of the EV failed to surface demand from the American consumer. What amazes me, is that as someone who converted my first pickup truck in 1979, as someone interested in the electric car, I was unaware of the entire EV history of the late 90's and early couple of years in the 21st Century. I try to keep up with current events. I never saw the advertising or any word in the news. Surely the systematic crushing of an entire generation of vehicles by a manufacturer is an event of national interest. Where was the media? This is about defining the problems (economy, national security, foreign oil dependency and the environment), understanding the solutions and solving the problems. Although motivation is shifting towards simply choosing the most cost effective solution. The media likes to talk about plug-in electric cars as a niche market and offers as proof that for five years they represent less than 1% of the cars on the road. A further point offered as evidence that plug-in electric car sales are low is that President Obama had a goal of one million plug-in electric cars on the road by 2015. We failed to meet this goal by more than half at little over 406 thousand by year end 2015. The failure to meet an unrealistic goal is not proof of slow growth. In a market where conventional car sales have gone from 17 million in 2007 to 10 million in 2008 and have slowly climbed back to 17 million in 2016, the number of plug in electric cars on the road has doubled five times from 17,000 to 570,000. Plug-in electric car growth is exponential while conventional car growth struggles to reach the pre-recession peak of over 20 million in 2005. The number of plug- in electric cars on the road must double seven times to reach one percent. However the next seven doublings will replace conventional cars. Although it takes seven doubling to get to 2 million and one percent, the next seven doublings are approximately 2%, 4%, 7%, 14%, 28%, 55% and 100%. All of this rapid growth has occurred in a down conventional car market with sub-100 Mile range plug-in electric cars. 2017 is the first year of the plus 200 mile range electric car. We can expect exponential growth to accelerate as the affordable plus 200 mile range cars like the Chevy Bolt, Tesla model 3 and Nissan LEAF hit the market this year and the years to come. We are progressing rapidly regardless of the intentions of the oil industry and the current administration and the media's under-estimation of disruptive technology. Electric cars, renewable energy and exponential growth, all of which are sweeping the nation and the world. This is not just because of consumer concern for the environment but because total cost of ownership is much lower and the product is superior. Already climate deniers are installing solar on their schools and churches. They are buying electric cars for their police. It wont't be long before they are installing solar on their homes and driving their own electric car. Tony Seba: Clean Disruption - Energy & Transportation |
Documents | Features | Events | Trips | My First Truck |
These pictures were taken by Frank Jackson in his car port on Jan 4th, 2008, two days after final assembly. The trip that day, from Southwest Winter Haven to Auburndale, Florida, was 19 miles. The recharge took six hours, consuming about 12 KWH at 13 cents per KWH, for a total of $1.56. This same trip would have consumed 1 gal of gas at over three dollars before conversion to electric. (1200 mile update, my estimate of cost to charge was very high. After reviewing electric bills, it is almost impossible to see any increase when comparing four years bills. Over three months, I can only account for $20.00 over the entire period.)
For now, as a result of over 1200 miles of driving, I feel I have achieved my goal of a plug and drive vehicle with a range of 35 to 40 miles. Although my longest trip exceeds my goal at 41 miles, so far. It is everything I expected. The lack of power steering is sufficiently acceptable that I have no current plan to add it.
To be quite frank, although this car is a viable alternative to its gas powered previous life, it is not its equal. The V6 motor I removed was very responsive with the 5 speed transmission. Neither is it equal in pollution or foreign oil dependence. For me, this is the vehicle in which I will do over 90% of my driving.
One thing I am concerned about, is that this car be used as an example of the limitations of electric vehicle technology. The limitations of this vehicle reflect my limitations. For anyone interested in the true limitations of the EV technology, use the Toyota RAV4 EV, the Ford Ranger EV, the Tesla or the EV1 (800 crushed by GM) as the standard.
I converted this vehicle because the automobile industry has abandoned this technology, for reasons I will never understand, leaving me no alternative, but to build an inferior substitute.
Although my car meets my requirements and is a wonderful alternative to pollution and foreign oil dependence, it is no match for GM or Toyota automotive engineering.
Chevron has taken steps to see to it that I cant have NiMh batteries in my car. I would have bought them if I could have. The result is that my vehicle has half the range it could have. The result is, I imagine, just what Chevron wants. My car looks to be half what it could be, to anyone forming an opinion about Battery Electric Vehicle Technology.
My car is here to show you that battery Electric Vehicles are viable. It should not be used as an example of the limitations of the Technology.
Almost 10 years have passed since this conversion was put on the road and this was written.
The outlook for the electric car at that time was uncertain.
Things have changed dramatically in a very positive way in the last ten years.
In 2007 the Chevy Volt concept was presented and promised for 2010 production.
In the end GM came through on that promise but in 2008 it was only a dream.
In 2008 Tesla started deliveries of their Roadster EV.
For most people in 2008 a conversion was the only electric car choice.
It was in December of 2010 that things began to happen when Nissan and GM began deliveries of the LEAF and the Volt.
I reserved my Nissan LEAF on the first day April 19, 2010. I took delivery from Hill Nissan in Winter Haven, Florida on December 15, 2011.
The range on this car was 73 miles.
Two years later I purchased a used 2012 Toyota RAV4-EV from Downtown Toyota in Los Angeles.
On November 26, 2013 it was shipped to me in Winter Haven, Florida.
The range on this car was 142 miles.
About three and a half years later on April 3, 2017 I purchased a 2017 Chevy Bolt from Maher Chevrolet in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The range on this car is 238 miles.
On February 16, 2015 we installed a 5.4 kw solar array at our home.
In 2011 17,000 plug-in cars were sold. As of the end of year 2016, 570,00 plug-in cars were on US highways.
So we are seeing electric vehicle progress not just at our house, but across the country.
The number of plug-in cars have doubled five times in five years. And that doubling has occurred with sub 100 mile cars.
Who knows what might happen with plus 200 mile cars now emerging at a dealer near you.
The problems are:
You may not agree with all the problems listed here, but it is hard to imagine a reasonable person who could not agree with any of these problems. It seems any one of these problems would be enough to motivate us, as a Nation, to dramatically reduce our oil consumption.
We are racing to a critical point. Each of these problems can be traced to our lack of concern, as demonstrated by our lack of corrective action, related to excessive Oil consumption.
Troy is, in some sense, my home town. I went to Troy High. The history of Troy is not unique in our nation. But it is relevant to me. Troy was an important thriving industrial town at one time. From the downtown train station, you could travel to NYC, Boston or Chicago. Trolleys filled the streets. It had theaters and parks and a National League basball team.
It makes you think about what can happen to prosperity and a way of life. Of course this video is not about what Troy is today. People still live happy lives there. But still, this video makes you think about sustainability, and the choices we've made along tthe way.
Things will change and they will change based on the choices we make.
RAV4 EV, EV 95 battery.
EPT2 Documents
Learn About EPT2 Driving Experience
EPT2 Specifications
EPT2 Parts list and Cost
Learn More About EPT2 Design and Construction
Wiring Instructions (Incomplete)
EPT2 Upgrades
EPT2 LED Running Lights
EPT2 Power Steering
EPT2 Water Heater
Milage Log
Milage Log
EPT2 Video
See the wmv Video (Six Minutes, 15 meg)
See the rv Video (Six Minutes, 8 meg)
See the mpg Video (Six Minutes, 80 meg)
EPT1
Learn About EPT1
EPT3
Learn About EPT3
Events
Battery Beach Burnout 2008
Polk Retired Teachers 2008
Sunset Celebration 2008
HOBY Leadership Conference 2008
Cypress Gardens Car Show 2008
See the Video of the Cypress Gardens Car Show May 2008
Board of Commissioners, June 4, 2008
Spirit of DC meets EPT2, July 6, 2008
City of Sarasota Event, July 21, 2008
Polk County Meeting August 30, 2008
Cypress Gardens Car Show October 2008
Vicctory Lane Car Show Lakeland 2008
Great American Teach-In, Auburndale, 2008
Park Vista HS Car Show, December 13th, 2008
PolkEVA Meeting Lakeland, Saturday the 20 th of December 2008
Sun Coast EVA Meeting Tarpon Springs, December 2008
Sun Coast EVA Meeting Holiday July 25, 2009
Trips
High Tech School 2008
John Ryder's Production Ranger 3 2008
Ken Watins' Conversions 2008
Mark Hazen's S10 2008
Before you can solve a problem, it needs to be understood and defined.
The Economy,
We live in an Oil based economy. As Oil prices rise our
economy approaches the breaking point.
National Security,
Terrorists come from the same places as Foreign Oil.
A portion of your foreign oil dollar supports terrorism.
Dependency on Foreign Oil,
Our Foreign Oil Dependency puts our military in harms way, in
a war funded by long tem debt to China, placing our economic
future in the hands of our Foreign creditors.
Pollution
Our automobiles pollute our cites with noxious gases we call
Smog, a contraction of smoke and fog.
Global Warming.
At the same time we produce green house gasses which are
warming the planet.
Opportunity Cost.
Opportunity Cost is a term used in Economics
to describe the economic cost of not choosing
the less expensive and often superior alternative.
Often, failure to abandon the status quo.
A Dying Industrial Town
Battery Technology
There are 24 of these 12 volt batteries in the RAV4 EV providing 288 volts, 95 ah, 28Kwh and weighing about 41 lbs. for a total battery weight of about 1000 lbs.
Stan Ovshinsky filed several patents for NiMH Battery technology. He sold a 60% interest in his company, Energy Conversion Devices (ECD)/Ovonics, to GM. After suing the State of California to delay enforcement of the Zero Emissions Mandate, GM, as leases expired, recalled the EV1s and crushed them. It then sold their interest in control of Ovshinsky's Company to Chevron.
February 5, 2009
I have recently been told that my opinion that NiMh is the best battery technology is incorrect. I am afraid that in my attempt to illuminate and educate the public about an overlooked and, in my opinion, prematurely abandoned technology, I have not mentioned other valuable alternatives.
Lithium Ion, Firefly's new lighter Lead acid, LiFePO4 and super capacitors are all promising developments for energy storage. Fortunately all are being reported and investigated by the media. And, this is good thing. Unfortunately, I have never seen an accurate presentation of the importance and value of NiMh technology in the media. I have never seen a valid reason why, for example, The Chevy Volt, presented by GM to the public in January of 2007, must wait for a Lithium Ion battery breakthrough until the end of 2010 to be introduced in limited production.
So I apologize for my imbalanced presentation of the facts.
The fact is, that NiMh batteries have been in continuous production (more or less) since the first Toyota RAV4-EV used them in 1998. There is no better consumer road tested EV battery. These Panasonic batteries are in use today in the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrids among others. The chemistry used today in successful hybrids, is the same as that used in the RAV4-EV.
This not to say, that all NiMh batteries are the same or as well proven, and of the same quality. GM has shown over and over again thatt it can fail at what Toyota has succedded at. Recently (reported in June 2008), GM produced the "Mild Hybrid" sold as a real hybrid, using NiMh batteries from Cobasys. These cars were recalled because of leaking batteries.
I do not propose that any battery technology is superior to any other. Each has advantages and disadvantages. I only want to see these pros and cons played out on a level playing field. I believe NiMh has a handicap, not technology related. This handicap is not in the interest of consumers, the environment or national security.
Weight and volume
In this comparison Lithium is lighter and smaller, with Lead being heaviest and bulkiest, and Nickel being in the middle. Lithium is the best choice for a car like the Tesla Roadster. For a Family car like the RAV4-EV, Nickel is viable, as is Lead to a lesser degree.
Price
Where price is a concern, Lithium is the most expensive, with Lead being the cheapest, and Nickel being in the middle. For a high end performance car like the Tesla, Lithium is the best choice. For a family car like the RAV4-EV, Nickel is a good choice. Where price is critical, Lead AGM battery technology, such as that being developed by Firefly is promising.
Proven Technology
With the "possible" exception of lead, no technology is better proven for an EV, than NiMh as implemented by Panasonic in the EV95 battery. Lithium is enjoying a successful, but much shorter and smaller road experience trial.
Super Capacitors
All of these technologies can benefit from the synergy of super capacitors load smoothing. Super capacitors used by themselves may even have a place in the evolution of the future EV.
All technologies should participate in open and equal competition for their respective place in the future of EV propulsion.
Toyota on the RAV4 EV
|
"Although a significant marketing effort was undertaken for the RAV4-EV, we only sold about 300 vehicles a year. . . technical issues tied to electric vehicles remain a major hurdle. . . .It is cost-prohibitive to replace an EV battery. Although Toyota's electric vehicle sales have proved disappointing, Toyota was able to leverage valuable technology from the development and sales of the RAV4-EV. . . For example, some of the technology involved in the Hybrid Synergy Drive system on the next generation Prius came from the RAV4-EV."
How come I didn't know about the RAV4 EV, did you know about it? Chevron sued Panasonic for making the EV-95 NiMH Battery and Toyota for using it in the RAV4 EV, in the amount of $30 million. Production of the EV-95 NiMH battery stopped and consequently the RAV4 EV. The RA4 EV is running today with the original batteries, many of them have over 100,000 miles. Toyota still uses a smaller NiMH battery in their Prius and Camry Hybrids under agreements with Chevron. Toyota will not make their Hybrids plug-in without consent from Chevron. Toyota can only produce a plug-in vehicle, without permission from Chevron, when they have an alternative battery Technology, or when the NiMH patent runs out in 2014. The events summarized here are actual history and the outcome is history. The nature of the legal complexities that motivate the players involved are speculation and not important. What is important is that we know what is possible. We know, technologically, what can be done, because it has been done. We know what the problems are that need to be solved. We know how to solve them. Finally, we know that the outcome we have is not in the best interest of this Nation. |
The RAV4 EV Specs PDF
The Long Ranger Specs PDF
The Long Ranger Design PDF
RAV4 Ev with "Long Ranger" range Extender (Series Hybrid)
This Pull behind Generator converts the Toyota Rav4-EV into an unlimited range Serial Hybrid. The "Spirit of DC" is an unlimited range Plug-In Parallel Hybrid conversion.
Here's the difference between a Serial Hybrid and a Parallel Hybrid. A Parallel Hybrid is like a normal car, with the gasoline engine driving the wheels mechanically through one or more of the following mechanical mechanisms like a clutch, transmission, drive shaft, differential, or Constant Velocity joints.
A serial Hybrid has a gasoline engine or some other form of Internal Combustion engine (ICE) that is not mechanically connected to the wheels in any way. It is mechanically connected to a generator that produces electricity. The ICE and generator together called a GenSet, which drives the wheels indirectly through an electrical connection to the electric motor which ultimately drives the wheels.
A Serial Hybrid is preferable because it is more efficient. Most of the mechanical drive train can be eliminated. The result is the vehicle is lighter. The ICE can be smaller because it only needs to be big enough to charge the batteries. It does not need to handle the load of starting or climbing hills. Plus, for short trips, the ICE does not need to run at all.
The serial hybrid is also being called and Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). A pure Electric Vehicle is also called a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV), a term shared with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehucles (HFCV). We also have vehicles that travel less than 25 mph, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV)and Low Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEV), and vehicles that travel less than 60 mph, Urban Elecctric Vehicles (UEV). LSEVs and NEVs are often capable of higher speed, but restricted to 25 mph by a govenor, to meet legal restrictions, because of inability to meet saftey requirements at higher speeds.
Low-speed electric vehicles (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles manufactured in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards for low-speed vehicles in 49 C.F.R. 571.500) are allowed to operate on streets and highways with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
Some states have raised the maximum speed for LSEVs to 37.5mph (60kph). Such reclassified vehicles are called Medium Speed Electric Vehicles (MSEV).
Personal opinion: LSEVs and NEVs give a bad name to Electric Vehicles in general and promote the golf cart point of view held by so many with regard to the Electric Vehicle. I mention them here for completeness and to to help sort out the confusion caused by the alphbet soup of acronyms used to characterized these various vehicles.
Electric
Infrastructure |
Both Gasoline and Electric Cars are supported by an Infrastructure. CoalHalf the power produced in this country is from sources other than coal. These inlude wind, solar, hydro electric, geo-thermal, natural gas, oil and nuclear. It is only in recent history that wind, solar and geo-thermal have come into the equation. What is important is that they are an increasing proportion of the mix. The problems of coal fired power plants are well understood. Coal is being replaced by natural gas in new plants. In Claifornia where Electric Cars are most likely to emerge first, in large numbers, coal is not a significant part of the equation. It is often predicted that if 100% of the cars were replaced with Electric, we would need a significant number of new Coal Powered power Plants. This is the worst case. But for argument sake, let's assume it is true. The assumption is that this would be a bad thing. All cars will not be replaced with electric cars and not all electric cars will be powered from Coal burning power plants. But, if this did happen, we would have totally eliminated our dependence on foreign oil, reduced the price of oil and food, diverted oil dollars from funding terrorism, reduced pollution and global warming. But still this possibility, however remote, is presented as a bad thing. Building coal fired power plants is not the best approach, but it is far superior to our current course. What the more likely outcome is, that we will not replace all our automobiles with electric cars. We will not power those electric cars from new coal burning plants but from, largely existing, power plants and some new power sources such as wind, solar, geo thermal, natural gas and yes, possibly, some well scrubbed coal plants.
We like to talk about transmission lines and their efficiency losses. The entire electric vehicle infrastructure has been examined in an attempt to diminish the perceived benefit of the electric car. Still, it is most efficient system of personal transportation.
energy security Tools and Resources", by Mark Z. Jacobson |
Gasoline
Infrastructure |
RefineriesWe feel no obligation to examine the true cost of the gasoline car, beyond what can be measured at the tail pipe or the price of gas at the pump.Gasoline cars require an infrastructure also. It does not hold up well, under close scrutiny. The costs to the environment and the economy are excessive. This infrastructure is the elephant in the room, that we are so accustomed to, it is taken for granted, and so unnoticed as to be invisible. Start with the filling stations, a blight on the landscape, consuming large amounts of real estate. Creating environmental problems as ancient underground fuel storage tanks corrode and leak fuel in to the environment for years unnoticed. Now costing excessively to correct. With the filling stations comes the advertising along our highways indicating distance to the next filling station. One for each brand. Highways traveled by gasoline fuel tankers delivering gasoline to all these filling stations. These vehicles themselves consuming fuel and producing emissions. Pipelines traversing the landscape delivering crude oil from ports to refineries or from oil fields to refineries. Pumps are required to move the oil through these pipelines. We can't ignore the issue of how that oil gets to the port so it can be pipelined to the refineries. The transoceanic Tanker consuming fuel and producing emissions of its own. We can only hope there are no spills on the way. Refineries themselves consuming energy and polluting as they refine crude oil. The infrastructure behind the gasoline car is massive and dedicated. It has no other purpose. Unlike the electric infrastructure which services home, industry, public transportation and, potentially, personal transportation. Don't let anyone tell you; "The Electric Car is the same as a Gasoline car, it just has a longer tail pipe." The gasoline car has a tailpipe supported by an infrastructure consuming oil and producing emissions at every step in the process. Just because the infrastructure is in place and we live with and accept its consequences on the environment, doesn't mean we can ignore the cost in comparisons with the Electric Car. Cost of Gasoline
Tax payers pay for gasoline not jus at the pump but in their income taxes. The government pays the oil Industry huge subsidies for exploration, refineries etc. This hidden cost hides the true cost of gasoline and, as high as it is, and makes it seem more tolerable. So we can go on consuming bravely, regardless of the consequences.
|
Nissan LEAFLeaf Key Questions |
Nissan LEAF AdMy LEAF Ad |
Volt Technology RevealedVolt Shows True Colors |
Nissan LEAF PerksLEAF Perks, New York Times |
Nissan LEAF RentalsLeaf Rentals |
Nissan LEAF Test DriveLEAF Test Drive, watch for first peak under hood at the end. |
Latest Leaf Test Drive. |
Fast Charging
The first fast charging station opens.
|
Oil SpillOffshore oil drilling can never lead to Foreign Oil Independence!
Do the math. 3 billion divied by 20 million equals 150 days.
|
German Solar
I have been called a profet of |
Chevron Bails Out
|
Chevron Sells Cobasys
Mercury News wire services
Chevron Sells Hybrid Battery Stake to Bosch, Samsung Sad to see American technology controled offshore. Happy that the technology may finally be in the hands of those who might exploit it for public hood. We'll see.
This technology deserves better. |
Toyota may have GMitus
|
"A Toyota executive overseeing research said Thursday a A battery breakthrough is needed for electric vehicles to become mainstream" We have heard this from GM executives since before the Volt announcement in January of 2007 untill just recently. It looks like Toyota has picked up the baton.
Our new, largest Auto Manufacturer, seems to have contracted the same disease as our old, largest Auto Manufacturer. If the battery is a boat anchor, at the end of its range, what is the engine and transmission, while within the battery range? A properly designed car minimizes the weight of both and is optimized for the most common requirement of the owner. In a car driven mostly extended distances, a battery is a boat anchor, and a plug-in is not required. But most drivers, drive under 40 miles per day, in which case, an unnecessarily heavy engine and transmission, are the boat anchor. A paralle Hybrid is a refinement of a fossil fuel driven car. A series or serial Hybrid is a refinement of an electric car. A parallel Hybrid suffers from all the weight and cost of any fossil fuel driven car, plus the burden of battery and electric motor. Indeed the engine and transmission are the boat anchor in these cars. A series Hybrid achieves far greater efficiency for local driving and carries a much lighter and more efficient Genset to provide extended range for the annual trip to Grandma's house. Although Project Better Place is an admirable model, Battery Swap stations across the geographic landscape of the U.S. is a major challenge. Another alternative would be series Hybrids with optional Gensets and Genset Swap stations. Far fewer swaps required.
All year long, local driving
can be done without the weight of the Genset. Then, when it is time for the annual trip to Grandma's, you go to the swap station, swap-in the Genset and start out to Grandma's. No need to stop except for fossil fuel for the Genset. til you get there.
|
A new High Speed Rail Plan, something you won't see on the evening news.
"Taken for a Ride"
The role of GM in how we got here.
Buy it from New Day Films.
Alternative Energy Options
by Mark Z. Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford. Web (Energy and vehicle options, from best to worst) |
||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
eVaro (EV Advanced Regeneration Onboard)
|
This from George Parker: From: george To: Al Lococo Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2009 10:37 PM Subject: Re: Emailing: The problem Al, thanks for your reply, I think it's important to recognise anyone who takes on building a car from the ground up, also as you know if the big three can't build an electric car then it will take people like you and I to encourage the public just how easy it is and what is the problem with the auto manufactures that they keep going backwards. cheers George eVaro Flyer eVaro Web Page |
Something you may not know about
The Bailout (Batteries Included) Funding for banks has been getting a lot of attention lately, but the historic Congressional bailout package also delivered a victory for plug-ins, another demonstration that PIA's (Plug-in America) advocacy is paying off. The package included a federal tax credit starting at $2,500 for vehicles with battery packs holding a minimum of 4 kWh of energy. The credit increases $417 for every additional kilowatt hour to a maximum of $7,500. The Chevy Volt would qualify for the maximum credit, so if GM can bring it in at $35,000, consumers could pay less than $30,000 for a plug-in car. |
Chrysler steals Thunder from Volt!
GM lowers expectations for hybrid fuel savings
"We strongly discourage NHTSA from applying either PHEV or EREV technology in any significant volume in its ... model during the 2011-2015 timeframe."
Broken News
McCain plan: $300 million prize |
The $300 million prize for a better car battery is not necessary. What we need are plug-in cars, PHEVs and BEVs. When do we need 'em, now! How do we get 'em, with the proper incentives, properly administered. Part of McCain's Plan is a $5,000 tax credit for ZEVs (Zero Emissions Vehicles). Unlike the $300 million prize, a move in the right direction. For example, we have a $1,000 Hybrid incentive. What does GM do? They build a "Mild Hybrid" to qualify for the incentive. That's how they compete. If the incentive were properly administered, the "Mild Hybrid" wouldn't qualify, and they wouldn't build it. The government introduces a small businesses incentive for vehicles weighing over 6,000 pounds, GM introduces the Hummer. This incentive peaked at $125,000 in 2007.
Do incentives work, you bet they do. The first task of the current administration, was to dismantle incentives that favored BEVs and Hybrids. The BEV incentive was dropped and the Hybrid research program was converted to a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program. A 10,000 or $20,000 or more incentive per vehicle would go a long way towards getting PHEVs and BEVs on the road. Too bad the government can't do for electric vehicles what it did for the Hummer The incentive should be ramped so that as the population of PHEVs and BEVs increases, the incentives are reduced. This will motivate buyers to get in early. Too bad our candidates don't understand the capabilities of the technologies we already have and the power of incentives to apply these technologies to the problem at hand. Plug in, we have the technology and Toyota RAV4 is the proof. Not to mention the AC Propulsion, E-Box and the Tesla roadster. How about the AFS Trinity? This Super capacitor PHEV is on the road.
Technology we have. Politicians who understand the technology and the power of incentives we don't have. |
Broken News
that Might Surprise You!
|
GM Goes After COBASYS! The right move for the wrong reason. The Saturn "Mild Hybrids" are not what we need. The failure of 9,000 Cobasys NiMH batteries in GM's Green Washed Saturn's is not the motive we were hoping for. We wanted to see a near term Plug-In vehicle with Panasonic EV-95 or Gold Peak NiMH batteries. Sadly, this acquisition makes that no more likely. Unfortunately, it turns out that not all NiMH batteries are the same. The Panasonic 10ah NiMH batteries used in real Hybrids (those that have an electric drive and can be converted to Plug-In Hybrids) don't leak and last forever. Toyota boasts, they have never replaced a Prius Hybrid battery under warrantee (7 years). The EV-95 NiMH batteries from Panasonic used in the Toyota RAV4-EV have lasted 10 years and are still going. Picture this, a car with all the features of an SUV, A/C, stereo system, Power - seats, windows and door locks etc. Best of all it uses no gas. Of course, it has no engine or any other means of propulsion. Well, a "Mild Hybrid" has all the features of a Hybrid but no electric motor. When is a car not a car, when it has no means of propulsion. When is a Hybrid not a Hybrid, when it's a "Mild Hybrid". What does Chevron like better than a "Mild Hybrid" that can't be converted to a Plug-in Hybrid, a "Mild Hybrid" with leaking NiMH batteries. It is strange that the company who made the EV1, with large format NiMH batteries that never leaked, and traveled over a hundred miles on a charge, can't make a small NiMH battery operated electric air conditioner.
So is it possible to make a real Plug-In Hybrid? In addition to numerous conversions of Toyota Prius Hybrids with a top speed in all electric mode of under 40 MPH we have two such cars from AFS Trinity. They are the XH-150 (Extreme Hybrid, 150 MPG) with a top speed of 87 MPH.
|
Rod Hunter,
Thank you for "The Market Is Responding to the Oil Shock", the most intelligent opinion I have seen in the WSJ on the subject of high oil prices.
Cheers,
Al Lococo
www.evprogress.org
"Fortune - Warren Buffett takes charge"
"Fortune - All aboard China's new bullet train"
Peak Oil
|
We reached "Peak Oil" in the US in December 1970 at just over 10 million barrels a day. Just as Marion King Hubbert first said we would in 1949 and then again in 1956. Now, in December 2008, we produced slightly over 5 million barrels a day. Half the production of the peak. This despite the most scientific exploration and production methods in the history of the oil industry. Even as we increase the number of producing wells, production falls. Hubbert predicted we would reach the world peak in 2000. In 2000 we reached a peak which was exceeded in 2004. Since 2004, production has been stable. So we may be at "Peak Oil" or there could be more rises before the final peak and eventual decline. Theoretically when we reach the final peak we will have used half the worlds oil. If you believe "Peak Oil is a contrivance or a myth, you should look at the history of oil production. The first well was drilled in Pennsylvania, when that ran out we moved to Ohio, making our way through Okalohma and Texas. As production reached a peak and was depleated in one area after another we moved on. This is the history of oil, exploration, exploitation and depletion. The most recent discovery in 1969, North Sea Oil, is finally peaking. There has been no discovery of any significat magnitude since. One need only study the oil production figures from the sixties to the present to see the trend. Here are world production figures in PDF fprmat. or How long the remaining oil lasts, is a function of how fast we use it. We actually don't have to hit "Peak Oil" to encounter problems. Each time world demand exceeds production, economic pressures are created which lead to rising oil prices and a cooling of the economy as consumers spend more for oil and less for other things. Once "Peak Oil" is reached, demand for oil can not be satisfied by increased production, so we have a ceiling on how much demand can be satisfied. Once past peak, this ceiling is sloping downward. With or without this ceiling, created by "Peak Oil", we have pressures from emerging economies, not the least of which is, China and India. These pressures will stress the world economy even as we enjoy rising oil production or flat production at the peak. Once past peak, economic pressures gradually increase. If we persist in our reliance on oil, we are in for rolling recessions. We saw four dollar gas prices in the summer of 2008, followed by a cooling of the economy as consumers diverted dollars from discretionary spending to gas for their cars so they could get to their job, which employers were reducing as demand for products decreased. Now in the summer of 2009, we have not yet seen the recovery from this cycle. Surely, the coming recovery will result in increased oil consumption which will hit the ceiling and cause gas prices to rise again and start the next cycle. How will the Oil Age end? Who is smarter Stone Age man or HydroCarbon man? On the other hand, Our response to the next cycle will most likely be modified. We will learn to adapt. We will, or some of us will, find ways to reduce our reliance on oil. Those wo do, will be able to continue to fuel the economy with discretionary spending, thus softening the effect of the next cycle. As we progress through succcesive cycles, more and more will find ways to reduce their reliance on oil. As a substantial number of us escape our reliance on oil, the ceiling on growth caused by "peak Oil" will be broken. The economy will continue to grow and recover, even in the face of constrained oil supplies and rising oil prices. We will grow our economy through the use of alternative energy and conservation. Of course, all of this will take many cycles of successively shallower recessions. The dynamics of these cycles will be subtle, but increasingly in a positive direction. We all enjoy the benefits of the oil economy. We have a vested interest. But the continued use and abuse of this resource can not be sustained at our accustomed consumption rates when combined with the requirements of emerging economies. We cannot wish away our dilemma. We must look at our consumption as it relates to the resources that remain and adapt to what is a changing situation. If we cannot or will not adapt, our economic stability and our way of life will deteriorate.
I recently watched "A Crude Awakening" for the first time, I felt as I did after watching "Who Killed The EClectric Car". How can so many of us, be oblivious to potential catastrophe. How can we continue to ignore economic, climate and cultural warning signs. We are so committed to the "Black Blood of the Devil", that we can't see what is happening.
Ten years ago percapita income in Saudi Arabia was $28,000 today it is $6.000. In the minds of many Saudi's, this economic inequity is rooted in our consumption of their cheap oil. They see us as the authors of their adversity.
Sadly, calling attention to these things is perceived by so many, as being a purveyor of "Gloom and Doom". It is hard to addresses this problem in a way that is perceived as positive and necessary, yet, still there are those of us here and elsewhere who keep trying.
It is interesting to note that, when looking at oil consumption from 1965 to the present, consumption has peaked twice, once in 1979 and again in 2007. I believe we should be as interested in "Peak Oil Consumption" as we are in "Peak Oil (production)".
When the decline in oil consumption is steeper than the decline in oil production, we are doing the right thing. Our goal should be to widen the gap, in such a way that the decline in consumption is faster than the deline in production. As this gap widens, we can take pride in our movement towards a solution. As the gap widens we buy more time, by increasing the life of our reserves, to increase our use of alternative energy. Future generations will be able to use those reserves for lubricants, plastics etc. as we find alternatives to oil for transportation.
Note, that the oil consumption mumbers include biofuels while the production numbers do not. This serves to mask the actual reduction in consumption. If we can find ways to fuel recovery without increasing oil consumption, we will be on the path to resolving our reliance on oil.
We are assured that there is no need to worry, beccause we have enough oil reserves for fifty years. Only fifty yeas, this is alarming. At the same time they invest in their own local solar economy.
The following is a qoute from an interview with Mathew Simmons in answer to the question "are you optimistic or pessimistic?"
"History has shown that we react really well when our back is against a wall. And I go back to my analogy of perhaps we're basically in 1938 today. It's amazing that in the fall of 1939, World War II began in earnest and England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States had zero war machines. The U.S. on Dec. 6, 1941 didn't fully realize we were at war and the war was already 40 percent over. But from late 1939 until the early fall of 1945, the Allies put together from scratch a military force that actually stopped dead the most lethal war machine ever created.
Even more remarkably, in another unbelievable burst of creativity starting in early 1947, we created what's known today as the Marshall Plan. And the U.S. single-handedly organized an effort to create the architecture and the blueprints and the foundations for rebuilding Europe and then Japan. So I say if you look at those two world-class crisis events between the start of 1940 and the start of 1951, we destroyed Europe and then rebuilt it. If we could do those two things back to back, then we can actually win the energy war."
|
The rising price of Fuel and Food in our Oil Based Economy.
The production of corn is a petroleum based fuel intensive process. Fuel is used to plow, sow, fertilize ( fertilizer production itself is fuel intensive), application of insecticide ( again a fuel intensive product), harvesting, trucking to the silo, loading with grain elevator. shipping by rail to food processing plant and shipping by truc k to supermarket. All highly petroleum based fuel intensive steps in a complex food production system. When fuel prices rise, the price of corn rises. The supermarket has 2,500 products made from corn. Not just the obvious ones like corn flakes, but things like beef and milk come from corn fed cows. Soft drinks, candy, cookies etc. are sweetened with corn syrup. When corn prices rise, the price of food rises. Using corn to produce Ethanol raises the price of corn at the food processing plant and the supermarket. We should not have to choose between putting food an the table or Etanol in our gas tank. Corn Ethanol diverts corn from the food supply. This increases demand for other grain commodities such as rice, wheat and soy. Because we are an exporter of corn, this increases world wide demand and prices for these commodities. When corn ethanol production increases, the price of all food commodities rise. The only way to break the cycle of rising prices is to reduce demand for oil dramatically. Ethanol has little or no payback and its use contributes to rising food prices. Although, cellulosic ethanol made from saw grass and/or switch grass requires very little fuel input for its production, this alternative is not yet available. The Battery Electric Vehicle is our best solution. Read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan - his chapters on corn and agribusiness are important to understanding the rising price of food in our Oil Based Economy. |
The Inflexibility of Flex Fuel
Facts of Fuel Life
that Might Surprise You! |
Flex fuel vehicles use Gasoline, Ethanol, Diesel or BioDiesel Fuels.
The problem is, that you must own two automobiles to use all four fuels. The flex fuel vehicle is really a dual fuel vehicle. One of those fuels is petrolem derived, which is the source of the problem we are trying to solve with the flex fuel vehicle. So, if you are buying a flex fuel vehicle to have a positive effect on our Foreign Oil Dependence, your flex fuel vehicle is really just a single fuel bio fuel vehicle.
= poor fuel economy (MPG). Depending on which data source you use, estimates are that it takes the equivilalent of one third to one half a gallon of gasoline to produce a bushel of corn and almost three bushels of Corn to produce a gallon of poor fuel economy Ethanol. You do the math.
It uses electricity directly from local wind or solar, or indirectly from wind, solar, geo thermal, Hydro, oil, natural gas, coal or nuclear via the grid. |
2008 Dodge Magnum 4-door Sport Wagon
What ever happened to the "Station Wagon"?
|
|
This is a picture of the doge Sport Wagon. We don't call it a "Station Wagon" any more because that implies a transportation system of which the car is only a part. Today the car is the system. The "Station Wagon" implies that you use the car locally, and when you want to leave town, you drive to the station, leave the car there and take the train. The EV is perfect in this kind of a system.
We are very busy dismantling our rail system and turning the right-of-way into bicycle paths. This may be the new mode of transportation if we don't reduce our dependency on oil. |
What about Fuel Cells?
|
What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle? Well, it is an electric car like any other electric car, except that it does not need batteries to store electricity. Like the space station, it makes electricity from a Hydrogen Fuel Cell, and a super capacitor. The super capacitor is used to store the regenerative braking energy when slowing the car so it can be used when you need extra power for acceleration (more power than the fuel cell can deliver quickly).
The most common and efficient way to make hydrogen is refining hydrogen from fossil fuel, usually natural gas. This is an energy intensive process that yields a volume of hydrogen containing less energy than the energy used to produce it. Hydrolysis is often suggested as convenient way to convert water to Hydrogen and Oxygen. This process is less efficient than refining fossil fuels. Once the Hydrogen is liberated from the water it must be compressed. The combined process yields a volume of Hydrogen with an amount of energy equivalent to about 65% of the energy used to create it. The fuel cell itself is only 65% efficient and the electric motor is 90% efficient. The result is 38% of the energy used to create the hydrogen gets converted back to drive the car. By contrast, in a battery electric car, the battery is over 90% efficient and the electric motor is 90% efficient for a combined efficiency of 81%. The result is that an electric car uses twice as much of the electricity used to charge the batteries to move the car, when compared to a Hydrogen Fuel Cell car. Fuel Cell cars take several minutes to start, they dont tolerate cold well, and vibration makes their membranes rupture. Because of the low energy density of Hydrogen, fuel cell cars have no advantage in range over an electric car. Because of limited availability of Hydrogen refueling stations, are limited as to where they can be used. And finally they are half as efficient as battery electric cars at using electricity. If fossil fuels are used to create the hydrogen, what is the point? Why not use the fossil fuel to drive the car? Now, here is an interesting question. Why would automobile manufacturers make fuel cell vehicles and not battery electric vehicles? The answer is, incentives. The Bush Administration replaced battery electric vehicle incentives and Hybrid research incentives with Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle research incentives. Auto manufacturers are being subsidized to develop Hydrogen vehicles. We are told fuel cell vehicles are zero emissions vehicles that produce only clean water as exhaust. At the same time we are told that electric cars actually burn coal because they use electricity from coal burning plants. For some reason it is not popular to talk about the electricity used to make Hydrogen and compress it. When electricity is used, the method of preference in such discussions because it is so widely available, Hydrogen cars use twice the electricity and thus twice the coal if coal is used to generate the electricity. In the advertising for Hydrogen cars we hear about hydrogen produced from electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind and geo thermal. But Battery electric cars are always portrayed as being charged with electricity from coal fired plants. |
To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
To unsubscribe to the list, send a message to:
Do you have opinions or ideas? I'm interested in connecting with like minded people. My email address is . We are in a transition to a new economy free from foreign oil dependency. It is already started. Be an EV angel-ist. Spread the word. Let me know if you want your thoughts posted here.
You had posed a question about NiMH batteries being one of the reasons that EVs were still not all over the USA. I don't feel it makes any difference. NiMH is very good but lithium is even better.
Here in Arizona the heat kills NiMH batteries. We have Jeff Thomas who resused all the 50 EV1 trucks and got the batteries from EV1 cars that were being crushed. He could never use them locally since the heat kills the batteries. He had to sell them in California, Washington, Oregon etc
The lithium batteries are even better than NiMH with lighter weight, better temperature range and even more power to wieght ratio. Even with all of that it's still hard to sell an electric vehicle to many people.
Why is it still a problem to sell electrics ? Just like solar PV most people don't look at life cycle cost. Only the up front cost. The REAL GAS price is still not $8-10 at the pump like it should be. The US still subsidieses oil and also doeesn't account for the environmental damage like we should ! In Europe the price is real. EVs will catch on there before anyplace.
As soon as the current administration cuts the payments to big oil like congress almost did in Jan 2009 with Hr6 of 13.1 Billion a year we will start to see real prices and EVs will sell themselves to everyone. I for one really want to see real gas prices soon.
I will buy the Nissan LEAF in 2010 as soon as it's available. They have 100 miles range with lithium batteries and are the best choice in 2010. I'd never buy a NiMH vehicle here because of the heat. Even NiMH hybrids have battery problems in the heat.
Jim stACk, plugin prius w /10 Kw lithium system
-------------
Jim,
Thanks for the comment. All good points. Just to clarify. I never said NiMH was better than Lithium ion nor do I believe they arre a good in hot weather.
Keep in mind the EV1 one batteries were cooled and controlled by a BMS to compensate for their high temperature characteristics. The same is true for Lithium ion. The Ovonics in the EV1 were not the best NiMH batteries either. The Panasonic EV-95s were superior. In the RAV4-EV they were air cooled with ambient air.
What I believe is that all technologies should compete on a level playing field. Let the best solution be applied where it it is appropriate and cost competitive. No technology should be surpressed in order to prevent or delay the emergence of another.
At this point the NiMH technology has been sold by Chevron to offshore Corporations and is beyond the infulence of our government. The emrgence of More mature Lithium technologies make the issue less important. The long term endurance and reliability of Lithium technologies is yet to be proven, but is certainly extremely promising.
Cheers,
Al Lococo
I met you at the Sarasota show. I was wearing a straw hat, my wife and young daughter were with me. I studied your article and was impressed, of course. You did a great job on your EV! Its a great inspiration. I wanted to do this but am afraid its probably beyond my abilities and patience. I would love to have your truck.
One question. Why doesn't the electric motor need a clutch to change gears? How do you disengage the trans from the spinning shaft when you want to shift?
Tom Whitlow
--------------
Tom,
The primary reason for the clutch is that the engine turns when you are stopped. Without a clutch, it would stall.
In an electric car, the motor stops turning when you stop. No clutch required for stopping.
In any standard transmission car the gears are synchromesh. This means you can engage a pair of gears even though they are spinning at different speeds, within reason.
If you shift at a the right speed, you will have no problem.
Finally, shifting is almost unnecessary. You need to put it in reverse to backup and I use second gear, almost exclusively, when going forward. I have used third gear at higher speeds, like 50 or 55. But, even this is not absolutely necessary.
Cheers,
Al Lococo
My Name is Mark Reynolds. I am an engineer in San Jose California who has an interest in seeing useful EV's come to fruition for all the reasons you have summarized on your site.
I recently referred a Wall Street Journal journalist to your site who has recently authored an article on 25 mph NEV's, and she actually wrote back to me. NEV's are great for limited applications in dense cities, but I fear they also perpetuate the notion to the uninformed citizen that EV's are all as limited as a golf cart is. I'd wager that, for this reason, the usual anti-EV suspects are delighted to see NEV's appear so as to convince casual observers that EV's are not feasible. Her article was very supportive of NEV's.
Up until now there has been no chance of overcoming the entities that are suppressing the EV, but the Internet may change the status quo with web sites such as yours if enough people are adequately informed. Let's hope.
BTW, I electrified my bicycle with a powerful but completely silent 3-phase brushless/gearless wheel hub motor. Recently I saw a concept car on the internet that has a hub motor for each wheel. I think it was a Volvo. Depending on the unsprung mass presented by the car version of the wheel hub motor to the vehicle suspension, this could be a good thing.
Sincerely,
Mark
I fear we are out of time, and a national calamity awaits us all. The 1st named storm this summer will likely kill the economy (maybe not, I hope not); there is so much speculation in the oil markets, and no end in sight.
Al, you are a great example of what makes this such a wonderful country! With the ingenuity and determination that you and your friends have demonstrated we will whip the Oil Cartel in short order!! A plug-in electric flex fuel hybrid is what I want for my next car. Hopefully it won't be long before we see them on the market at lower prices.
About Al Lococo
|
Al Lococois the author of "Turning Point In History", an exploration into the subject of Energy and Transportation and how they affect our lives, our economy, our politics and our future. I am not an expert. I am no more qualified to profess an opinion than any other citizen voter. However, as a citizen and voter, I feel obligated to be informed. Energy and, because it is a major energy consumer, Transportation are the central issues of our time. It is imperative for the preservation of some semblance of our lifestyle that we understand this issue. I present here a layman's view of the issues for the edification of others like myself. To the experts, you have my apology. The information, experiences and opinions expressed here on this web site are produced by Al Lococo. Lococo converted his first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in September of 1979 in response to the fuel crisis at the time. In response to the current crisis, he has converted his second award winning BEV appearing in issue 12 of "Intersection", the London based International magazine. Lococo has no product for sale and seeks no monetary contributions or reimbursement for his efforts. His goal is to provide detailed information on all aspects of the subjects of Energy, Transportation,Electric vehicles, High Speed Rail and related topics, in a form that can be put to use by those so inclined. It is intended that tis web site be as exhaustive as possible in presenting every aspect of the current energy crisis and its impact on the economy, national security, the war and the environment. Lococo is Secretary of the Central Florida Electric Vehicle Association (CFEVA). The information, experiences and opinions presented on his web site are his and his responsibility only. Although you will find links to other organizations and institutions, they do not endorse his web site and are in no way affiliated. Lococo is a retired Computer Operating Systems software Designer. Most of his career was spent writing specifications for large computing systems software. He is also a Advanced class Amateur radio operator licensed by the FCC. He is not a mechanic or an engineer. @evprogress
|
|
Platitudes
|
· Reason can answer questions, but imagination has to ask them.
· Adversity is not the problem; coping is the problem. · Those who know how to think need no teachers. · To know the mind of a man, listen to his words, then note his deeds. · If your project doesn't work, look at the part you thought unimportant. · An idea put into action is more important than one only in the mind. · Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt one who is doing it. · Don't worry about someone stealing your idea. If it's original, you will have to ram it down their throats. -- Howard Aiken · "For every complex Problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong." - H.L. Mencken · . . People are never so trivial, as when they take themselves seriously. |