June 4, 2009 by Rob.

This was posted from the AustinEV group and is significant since stealthy EEStor could be a major playah if their stuff actually works.

Posted in Batteries, EV News, AustinEV | 1 Comment »

February 13, 2009 by Rob.

Should be a big deal…politicians, Li EVs, and (potentially) Austin’s first Tesla.  See AustinEV.org for details.

Posted in Electric Vehicles, AustinEV | 1 Comment »

January 3, 2009 by Rob.

My last two EV outings (16 miles & 12 miles) have been marked by atypical voltage sag.  It seems like the 18 month old batteries are not holding as much charge as they used to or the “cold” could be impacting them more than I expect.  Unfortunately, the I think the lack of daily commute based deep charge/discharge is limiting their recovery.

On a related note: having a high MPG car makes me less likely to drive the EV on longer trips.  Hmmm.

Posted in Honda Fit, Batteries, Daily Use, Storyline | 1 Comment »

December 3, 2008 by Rob.

One of the most interesting technology items I’ve seen recently in the flood of EV announcements is Michelin’s Active Wheel.  Apparently they’ve been working on this a while and still have years to go.  However, it looks like a viable wheel (not-hub) motor approach.  Their use of active suspension may address the unsprung weight issues of hub motors.

(source: MotorAuthority.com)

Posted in Major Car Makers, Electric Vehicles, EV News | 1 Comment »

October 30, 2008 by Rob.

Clair from AustinEV posted a link to the interesting gas2.org site.  They’re a automotive alt fuels multi-author blog.   I found their post about UPS’ hydraulic hybrid delivery truck interesting.  It’s important to keep in mind that Toyota is the only workable hybrid and there are some great alternative designs emerging (e.g. Chevy Volt).

If boxey and brown is not your thing, then consider Peugeot’s very hot looking concept diesel hybrid. A friend was asking me about this at a camp out last weekend and I had not heard about this offering. Looks like fuel efficient is starting to get sexy.

Posted in hybrids, ICE Cars, Alternate Fuels, AustinEV | 1 Comment »

October 19, 2008 by Rob.

We had a busy weekend out at the Austin Maker Faire!  As usual, it was a great event.  Better coordinated than last year and bigger too.  I liked the addition of the Robot Wars.

Alex had a great time showing people how to hack their Wii Motes and even got a blue ribbon!  We had some interesting generational challenges because saying “mod wii mote” sounds like “may we mate” to a segments of the population.  Technology brings so much new vocabulary that it’s easy to forget not everyone immediately parses “google blogs from blackberries.”

Since I was busy with Alex, the RAVolt was left with her EV friends in the other part of the barn.  It was nice to drop in and see so many of the AustinEV/SanAntonioEV crowd (Aaron, Chris, Brian, Gary, and Alphonso).  Since Aaron brought the charger we were able to drive electric both days to the Faire!

Posted in Pictures, Storyline, AustinEV | 1 Comment »

September 25, 2008 by Rob.

With the nice weather, I’ve been driving electric nearly everyday and racking up the miles.  Today the RAVolt’s Odo spun to 150500.  The amount of gas I have not bought is adding up - hahahaha!

Even with the stock market meltdown, Laura’s impatient to get our Honda Fit….tick, tick, tick.

BTW: We’re planning to be at the 2008 Austin Maker Faire October 18-19.  The RAVolt will be in the AustinEV area while my boys have a table hacking Wii Motes - bring your mote and they’ll make the “A” button glow.  Alex is buying all the supplies out of his own $$$ with the dream of making a profit at the Faire (DIY kits for @ $10-12).  Can’t argue with that!

Posted in Daily Use, AustinEV | 2 Comments »

September 23, 2008 by Rob.

It must be Detroit in another galaxy because I’m having trouble believing the news that Chrysler is promising multiple EVs by 2010.  They’ve got a retro-modern EV blister thing, a totally hot Tesla-stomping electric Viper, a EV Mini-van, and an electric Jeep SUV.  Apparently some are pure EV and others are plug-ins.  Hmmm….this is getting interesting.

Posted in Major Car Makers, EV News | 3 Comments »

September 20, 2008 by Rob.

GM’s making serious headway and commitments around the green flagship, the Chevy Volt.  This is a serious contender that could vault GM into a leadership position.  Unfortunately the news was completely eclipsed by the Wall Street meltdown (see my post: Now I’m really scared…Financial meltdown foreshadows sustainability crisis).  (more images >> Jalopnik)The Volt’s got the right design components to be a winner:

• It’s a series hybrid - really an EV with a generator
• It’s using lithium batteries (from A123)
• The cost is Prius level ($30-40k) - low enough for middle class green freaks.  
• It also has a 30-40 miles 100% electric range which covers 70% of US daily driving.
• Looks are pretty good (according to Jalopnik.com, but not Edmunds) - I think it’s a sexed up Cobalt.
• The gas generator (range extender) is enough to run the car without batteries - helpful insurance for nervous buyers.

Posted in Major Car Makers, Electric Vehicles, EV News | 1 Comment »

August 16, 2008 by Rob.

Last year’s Maker Faire was a must see event.  The RAVolt and AustinEV gang are planning to be there again.   I think my (lil) makers will have their own table with Wii mods - so bring your Wii mote to get it pimped.

Posted in AustinEV, Planning | 1 Comment »