You are currently browsing the Rob’s RAVolt! weblog archives for the day July 18, 2008.
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- August 27, 2008: Lessons Learned - recap
- August 20, 2008: Air Conditioning would be soooo boring
- August 19, 2008: Here's "proof" that water/gas conversion are scams
- August 16, 2008: 2008 Maker Faire: Oct 18-19
- August 14, 2008: RAVolt reaches 150,000 miles!
- August 14, 2008: AustinEV thread: my thought is Conversions = Innovation
- August 12, 2008: Discussing ROI for conversions (and solar) on AustinEV
- August 9, 2008: AustinEV meeting, unexpected but fun (if you like hearing me ramble)
- August 9, 2008: Stealth mode Austin Li Battery company gets BIG VC $$$
- August 9, 2008: EV-2? Nissan shows protoype
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Archive for July 18, 2008
X-Prize encourages 100+ MPG entrepreneurs
July 18, 2008 by Rob.
The X-Prize foundation has a contest to find a 100+ MPG car. I think that this is a great way to encourage innovation and also bring the nut jobs out into the day light. Typically it’s impossible to tell the crazy from the crafty so I enjoy watching the inventors line up. Here are two links I was sent for X-Prize entries:
- Interesting story about a car customizer who loves veggie oil diesel engines into everything (image below)
- Not so believable story about a “secret tuning” procedure that boosts horse power.
I’m skeptical about both of these stories because I don’t think that we’re going to get 200% improvements on conventional motors with some tinkering. Then again, the HHO hype refuses to die out too. I’d love to be wrong!
Posted in ICE Cars, Green Tech | No Comments »
Do EV Conversions for fun, not profit
July 18, 2008 by Rob.
I’ve been getting a FLOOD of email lately about EV conversions. I’m happy to answer the email directly, but would be just as glad to have them as comments on the blog so other people can see the questions. I’m planning to edit and publish the emails on the blog. They are mostly the same:
- Should I convert my car to be an EV? If you are passionate about change, not just to save gas.
- Should I buy an EV? There are few real choices. Aptera is the most interesting one, but not here yet. I cannot recommend any NEV.
- I want an EV that goes 50 miles per charge. Can I do that? Yes, but it will be expensive (estimate $30k)
- Can you give me plans to convert my car? Yes, read the blog. It’s all in the history.
- Is the RAV4 a good EV choice? Yes, but you need a manual transmission.
- I only have 1 car, should I convert that? No, I don’t think you should rely on an EV as your only car.
- I have an exact budget using a kit. What do you think? Hmmm, prepare for the unexpected.
(Aptera nose)
Posted in RAV4, Electric Vehicles, Storyline, Conversion, Planning | No Comments »
RAVolt on Parade
July 18, 2008 by Rob.
With all the other prep work to support our neighborhood July 4th celebration, the sun was not cooperating on decorating the RAVolt for the parade. Luckily, I got some help.
Posted in Pictures, Storyline | No Comments »