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#Post#: 4544--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: February 19, 2016, 5:52 pm
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Agelbert NOTE: This article is two years old. But in the light
of the fact that the Koch Brothers are in an all out push to
RETAIN all their fossil fuel subsidy swag, while simultaneously
kill the pittance of subsidies that renewable energy in general,
and electric vehicles in particular, have, it is appropriate to
post it. Every statement by Musk here is even more valid today
than it was two years ago. [/I]
[center]
[IMG
width=640]
HTML http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3-280714152422.png[/img][/center]
[center]Elon Musk: oil campaign against electric cars is like
big tobacco lobbying [/center]
Tesla chief executive likens attacks on electric cars to
campaigns of misinformation by big tobacco and climate sceptics
Adam Vaughan @adamvaughan_uk
Thursday 24 October 2013 10.24 EDT Last modified on Saturday 30
January 2016 12.40 EST
This article is 2 years old
Attacks on electric cars by the oil industry are on a par with
misinformation campaigns promoted by big tobacco companies and
vested interests undermining climate science, according to Elon
Musk, the serial entrepreneur who founded PayPal and the brains
behind both the space exploration company SpaceX and the
electric sports carmaker Tesla Motors. The oil giants, he
reckons, are attempting to sow the seeds of doubt.
Speaking before the opening of Tesla's new luxury store in the
Westfield shopping mall in Shepherd's Bush, London, last night,
Musk told the Guardian: "It's kinda like the battle against 'big
tobacco' in the old days, and how they'd run all these ads about
how tobacco's no problem.
"Ninety-nine per cent of scientists can agree on one thing, but
in the public mind [lobbyists] try to convey that scientists
disagree. Technically true, but absolutely misleading," he said.
Tesla has cornered the high end of the electric car market in
the US, selling more than 14,000 of the base-priced $62,400
(£38,609) Model S in the past year. The car will be delivered to
UK customers next spring, and is expected to cost between
£55,000-£85,000, depending on the model's specifications.
That is substantially more than the £16,000-£30,000 price range
at which most other electric cars have been pitched. But Musk
still has his eye on the mass market. The next Tesla car,
currently dubbed "Gen3", would cost less than £35,000 and will
probably arrive within three years. The Model S, he said, would
subsidise that car's development.
"When somebody buys a Model S they're helping pay for that in a
way that buying an Aston Martin or Ferrari is not. Aston Martin
is going to make more Aston Martins, Ferrari is going to make
more Ferraris, but what we're trying to do is make a compelling
mass-market electric car."
Musk, who is said to have inspired the character of the
charismatic genius Tony Stark in the Iron Man films, does not
think governments are doing enough to support the
electrification of cars, despite a grant scheme that knocks
£5,000 off the price of new plug-in vehicles.
"If we start seeing bazillions of electric cars on the road,
then maybe we can reel back the incentives. The acid test is are
there tons of electric cars on the road? Well, no, probably the
incentives aren't strong enough."
Musk is standing by recent comments that hydrogen fuel-cell cars
are not a plausible rival to battery-powered models like those
made by Tesla. "They're like obviously bullshit, it's not even a
question mark in my mind … In the case of hydrogen fuel cells,
take the current state of the art, and compare how much space,
weight and cost is associated with the powertrain of a fuel
cell, and compare that with the Model S … it loses on every
category."
Musk, 42, considers himself an environmentalist, but says he is
not "ultra hard core".
"That's not me," he says. "I sort of think we should figure out
how to enjoy life and not have environmental catastrophe."
He rates himself as "greenish" in his personal life. He switches
off lights when he leaves a room, and has installed solar panels
on his home, but "it's not like I've got LED lights everywhere,
and I'm not a vegetarian.
"Trying to convince the population to have some monk-like
existence is simply unrealistic," he says.
Born in South Africa, Musk was a teenage computer nerd with
degrees in physics and business when he moved to California to
study for a PhD at Stanford. He then quit within days of
embarking on his studies to become an entrepreneur.
His first venture was an internet city guide, which he sold aged
28, banking $20m. Paypal followed, which eventually brought him
an even larger fortune, and then came SpaceX, which aims to send
people to Mars within 20 years.
Tesla Motors, which takes its name from the 19th-century
physicist, Nikola Tesla, was venture number four. Musk joined as
an investor in its early days, and the firm made its first
production vehicle – the two-seater Roadster – in 2006.
The company, based in Palo Alto in California's Silicon Valley,
was listed on Nasdaq in 2010 and the Model S hit the road in
2012. Celebrity owners Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Stephen
Spielberg and Demi Moore have generated publicity, as have the
firm's "stores" – in premium shopping districts rather than
traditional dealerships. The shares have nearly quadrupled in
value this year.
A few weeks ago the company's image took a hit when footage
emerged of a Model S on fire after a piece of metal had gone
under the car and made contact with the battery.
The driver escaped unharmed, but the incident led Musk to take
to his blog in defence of the car, which has been billed as one
of the safest ever made. "Had a conventional gasoline car
encountered the same object on the highway, the result could
have been far worse," he wrote.
Musk told the Guardian that the company was committed to Europe,
and he expected to be manufacturing electric cars in Europe
"probably" within five years. They are currently made in
Fremont, California, with some assembly carried out in the
Netherlands. "It's a bit silly transporting cars across the
Atlantic," said Musk, who also envisages a new European
technical centre, focused on research and design.
The firm also plans to build a network of "superchargers" in the
UK – charging points that can replenish the battery within 30
minutes – ready for when its right-hand drive Model S cars are
delivered to customers in spring next year.[i] The cars will
eventually be powered by solar panels, he said, which should
generate more power than is used by the cars
recharging.
HTML http://www.bativert.ma/images/image3.jpg
"What we're trying to convey is that, if you have Tesla Model S,
you'll be able to drive for free, for ever, on sunlight."
When you drive the Model S, it quickly – very, very quickly –
becomes clear that it's the opposite of the electric car
stereotype of a Noddy car that doesn't go very fast or very far.
It's packed to the gills with state-of-the-art technology, from
the enormous string of batteries that make up the entire floor
and enable its 300 mile-plus range, to the in-car entertainment
and navigation system whose touchscreen makes an iPad look
positively puny.
The exterior is classy and understated, rather than screaming,
"No combustion engine!" as, say, the G-Wiz and BMW's new i3 do.
Tesla's other car, the Roadster, is the sort to turn heads and
attract Instagramming hordes, but the Model S barely raised
eyebrows during a few hours in central London.
More than anything, the car is memorable for its astonishing
acceleration. Unlike conventional cars, electric cars give
instant torque and that, combined with the powerful motor here,
means that putting your foot down results in a truly
exhilarating rush.
HTML http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/24/elon-musk-oil-electric-cars-tobacco-tesla
#Post#: 4585--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: February 25, 2016, 5:43 pm
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[center]Should the EPA force VW to build electric car
infrastructure as penance for the emissions scandal? ???
HTML http://www.pic4ever.com/images/128fs318181.gif[/center]
Christine Lepisto (@greenanswer)
Transportation / Cars
February 24, 2016
This weekend, the respected German newspaper Die Welt reported
that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
will not rest on fines and fixes for the "Clean Diesel"
technology that relied on a software cheat to beat emissions
testing while releasing up to 1 million tons of NOx pollution
each year.
Instead, under the subheader "VW not enthused about EPA plans,"
Die Welt reports that EPA demands include production of electric
cars at the VW plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee and an obligation
to build a network of electric charging stations. It is not
clear whether EPA's demands relate to production quotas, new
models, or expansion of production of the existing electric and
hybrid motors in VW's current range of automobiles.
Although VW and EPA both declined to comment officially to Die
Welt, the paper reports that "At VW, they are naturally not
enthusiastic over the plans in Washington, which will cost the
company additional umpteen millions."
It seems like not such a bad idea though. Often, the American
authorities can lower the size of fines in exchange for an
agreement that might benefit the company more than a simple
monetary penalty. A somewhat unique aspect of the prosecution of
corporate crimes under regulations such as those of EPA or OSHA
(for occupational safety) is the multiplier factor: the law sets
a maximum penalty for a violation; but the EPA can consider
every car and every day each car operated as a separate
violation. So do the math, 600,000 cars times how many days
times even not anywhere near the maximum penalty will still add
up to a hard hit. With the threat of huge fines, the EPA can
then set about negotiating a more win-win scenario.
Discussions over how to fix the affected cars also continue. Die
Welt notes that Americans often ignore recall actions, and
unlike German laws, the American laws cannot force VW owners to
bring their cars in for a fix, when and if VW figures out what
that fix will be. So EPA cannot ensure that the cars already in
service will not continue to add to the pollution burden for
many years to come.
How it will all come out remains to be seen. But if negotiations
could result in a boost for electric car penetration in the
American market, and help VW regain trust by supporting
American jobs and a clean car infrastructure, perhaps the VW
emissions scandal could be turned into a benefit for consumers
and the environment after all.
HTML http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_0293.gif
HTML http://www.treehugger.com/cars/should-us-epa-force-volkswagen-build-electric-car-infrastructure-pennance-emissions-scandal.html
#Post#: 4598--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: February 26, 2016, 3:00 pm
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[center]Volkswagen’s Latest Concept Wants To Be Your BUDD-e ;D
[/center]
January 9th, 2016 by Kyle Field
[center]
HTML http://c1cleantechnicacom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2016/01/vw_budd-e_concept2.jpg[/center]
To say that Volkswagen has struggled in the last few months
would be an understatement. The company and associated
automotive brands were found to have intentionally bypassed
emissions controls for the vast majority of diesel engine-based
vehicles produced since 2008. Since the news broke, the
conglomerate has suffered massive turnover in senior leadership
and, while penalties for the emissions violations are pending in
most countries around the world, VW is moving forward with
damage control for its retail brands, starting with an almost
name change from “VW” back to its roots: “Volkswagen.”
In parallel to the new marketing spin, the automotive giant
appears to be putting an eye towards the future of mobility with
several clean energy vehicles in the works in the hopes that the
reduced emissions might clean up the air and its image. To
further pump its green creds, the concept has solar cells
embedded on the roof so it can trickle charge when the sun is
shining.
[center]
HTML http://c1cleantechnicacom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2016/01/budd-e_concept_5794.jpg[/center]
At CES 2016, Volkswagen unveiled the latest iteration of an old
concept — the modernized version of the iconic mini-bus which
packs some neat tech and tricks. The BUDD-e concept is a
zero-emissions, all-electric vehicle with an estimated range of
up to 373 miles / 600 kilometers (New European Drive Cycle
estimate) and up to 233 miles / 375 kilometers (US EPA drive
cycle), powered by an impressive 101 kWh battery pack.
This range is built using a new battery technology that brings
much-needed charging capability improvements. Specifically, the
battery can be charged up to 80% of capacity in about 30
minutes; marking an operational breakthrough for non-Tesla EVs.
[center]
HTML http://c1cleantechnicacom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2016/01/VW_budd-e_concept.jpg[/center]
The BUDD-e concept represents the juxtaposition of two
Volkswagen worlds — 1) next-generation, production-volume,
electric vehicles, and 2) connected, immersive infotainment.
Showing that Volkswagen has an eye towards the future, a new
platform for electric vehicles called the Modular Electric
Platform (MEB) underpins the new concept. The BUDD-e concept is
the first car to use this new platform, which was likely a much
larger investment than a single concept and is something that
can be directly utilized in a production vehicle vs something
that will only ever see the spotlight in a concept.
The development of a dedicated EV platform is consistent with
what other forward-looking automotive companies such as Tesla,
Chevrolet, and now Faraday Future are doing, which is not a bad
list of cleantech peers to be included in.
BUDD-e also kicks infotainment up to the next level, leaning
heavily into exploring what’s possible vs just implementing the
latest and greatest practical solutions. Stepping inside, the
world of the Smart Home and the Smart Car collide, with the car
attempting to connect two disparate worlds into a user-friendly
interface that lets drivers access their home while on the road.
◾Integrated interfaces for both the driver and passenger
signal a shift from driver-focused vehicles to
entertainment-focused vehicles.
◾A focus on intuitive interfaces seamlessly blends the
entertainment experience and the driving experience. This
obviously becomes more relevant after autonomous driving
technology is implemented.
◾The BUDD-e concept enables passengers to digitally access
their homes and workplaces to perform tasks such as controlling
the air conditioning, turning lights on or off, or simply
looking to see if their kids are home.
[center]
HTML http://c1cleantechnicacom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2016/01/budd-e_concept_5809.jpg[/center]
The BUDD-e brings with it a new suite of gesture-based interface
technologies for full control of the vehicle’s functions. The
new system uses cameras to register if a passenger in the rear
compartment wants to open the sliding door, for instance.
Gestures have also been implemented in more traditional
applications on displays, but this takes it to the next level
with projections that can assist the driver and passengers while
driving.
A selection of gestures can be used passively as well, without
having to queue up the gesture recognition system, which
indicates that it is always watching. Some may find this
awkward, but it brings with it a whole suite of specialty
assistance applications.
While it is clear that Volkswagen is putting significant effort
into the new electric platform and the array of innovations
piled on top, the fact that all of these technologies are stuck
in perpetual concept mode is a bit disheartening. It would be
great to see a commitment from the German company to move
forward with a production vehicle that makes use of the core
electric drive platform.
[center]
HTML http://c1cleantechnicacom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2016/01/budd-e_concept_5810.jpg[/center]
Get CleanTechnica’s 1st (completely free) electric car report —
“Electric Cars: What Early Adopters & First Followers Want.” And
tell us where you’d like to attend electric vehicle and/or solar
power events conducted by CleanTechnica
Keep up to date with all the hottest cleantech news by
subscribing to our (free) cleantech newsletter, or keep an eye
on sector-specific news by getting our (also free) solar energy
newsletter, electric vehicle newsletter, or wind energy
newsletter.
HTML http://cleantechnica.com/2016/01/09/volkswagens-latest-concept-wants-budd-e/
#Post#: 4600--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: February 26, 2016, 9:02 pm
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[center]Enphase Energy Announces New Residential Storage Product
HTML http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/xig/ojx/xigojx6KT.png
[/center]
February 25th, 2016 by Kyle Field
SNIPPET:
Enphase Energy has long been a key provider of microinverter and
wiring solutions for residential solar photovoltaic (PV)
installations and has built on that success with another
important component of a holistic energy solution — storage.
Before we dive into the company’s recently updated product,
let’s talk a bit about the Enphase approach to “going green” at
home and for the entire grid. That all starts with the Enphase
Home Energy Solution (video).
[center]
HTML https://youtu.be/8rnCVr48XGA[/center]
Full story:
HTML http://cleantechnica.com/2016/02/25/enphase-energy-announces-new-residential-storage-product/
#Post#: 4613--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: February 29, 2016, 8:39 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center] Here’s How Electric Cars Will Cause the Next Oil Crisis
[/center]
[center][b][size=12pt]Renewable energy=
HTML http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3-301014181553.gif<br
/>
HTML http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-scared002.gif=Fossil<br
/>Fuelers [/center]
[move]A shift is under way that will lead to widespread adoption
of EVs in the next decade.
HTML http://cliparts.co/cliparts/Big/Egq/BigEgqBMT.png
[/move]
By Tom Randall | Feb. 25, 2016
SNIPPET 1:
--- Quote ---
> Yesterday, on the first episode of Bloomberg’s new animated
series Sooner Than You Think, we calculated the effect of
continued 60 percent growth. We found that electric vehicles
could displace oil demand of 2 million barrels a day as early as
2023. That would create a glut of oil equivalent to what
triggered the 2014 oil crisis.
--- End Quote ---
SNIPPET2:
--- Quote ---
> With all good technologies, there comes a time when buying the
alternative no longer makes sense. Think smartphones in the past
decade, color TVs in the 1970s, or even gasoline cars in the
early 20th century. Predicting the timing of these shifts is
difficult, but when it happens, the whole world changes.
>
> It’s looking like the 2020s will be the decade of the electric
car.
HTML http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3-200714183515.bmp
>
>
--- End Quote ---
MUST read article with video and graphs:
HTML http://www.pic4ever.com/images/reading.gif
HTML http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-ev-oil-crisis/
HTML http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-ev-oil-crisis/
[center]
HTML http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-forum/popcorn.gif[/center]
#Post#: 4665--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: March 11, 2016, 1:50 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]
HTML https://youtu.be/aRDLKeWw6U8[/center]
[center]2016 Mitsubishi iMiEV Test Drive Video Review –
REASONABLY PRICED Electric Car ;D[/center]
#Post#: 4667--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: March 12, 2016, 4:41 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Bloomberg: The Electric Car Revolution Is Here to Stay
HTML http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3-200714183515.bmp[/center]
Kieran Cooke, Climate News Network | March 9, 2016 10:03 am
Within six years, the cost of owning an electric car will be
cheaper than purchasing and running a petrol or diesel model
HTML http://www.pic4ever.com/images/balloons.gif.
That’s the
conclusion of a report on the fast-expanding electric car market
by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
The report says that even if petrol or diesel driven cars
improve their fuel efficiency over the coming years, the cost of
owning an electric car—buying it and running it—will be below
that of conventional vehicles by 2022.
[center][center]
HTML http://ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/evsales_750.jpg[/center]<br
/>[/center]
[center]The cost of owning an electric car—buying it and running
it—will be below that of conventional vehicles by 2022. Photo
credit: Wikipedia [/center]
The increased sale of electrically-powered cars is seen as an
important element in the fight against climate change. CO2
emissions from vehicles fueled by petrol and diesel cause a
build-up of greenhouse gases and, especially in cities,
pollution from exhausts causes serious damage to health.
[center]
Worldwide Sales[/center]
Bloomberg says electric vehicle (EV) sales worldwide reached
just under half a million in 2015—a 60 percent rise on the
previous year. Although electric-powered cars make up only one
percent of the global vehicle total at present, it is predicted
that worldwide EV sales will be more than 40 million by 2040,
making up approximately 35 percent of all light duty vehicle
sales.
[center]
HTML http://about.bnef.com/content/uploads/sites/4/2016/02/EV-PR.jpg[/center]<br
/>
The report’s authors say developments in battery technology are
one of the key factors driving the downward trend in prices in
the electric car market.
--- Quote ---
> “At the core of this forecast is the work we have done on EV
battery prices,” said Colin McKerracher, a Bloomberg analyst.
--- End Quote ---
“Lithium-ion battery costs have already fallen by 65 percent
since 2010, reaching $350 per kilowatt hour (kWh) last year. We
expect EV battery costs to be well below $120 per kWh by 2030
and to fall further after that as new chemistries come in,”
added McKerracher.
To date, two types of electric car have been produced for the
mass market: a battery electric vehicle (BEV) is solely
dependent on batteries for power, while a plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle (PHEV) uses a combination of rechargeable
batteries and a conventional engine as back-up.
Recent improvements in battery technology mean that a BEV can
travel up to 200 miles without recharging. ;D
Electric vehicle manufacturers say that as more sales are
achieved, manufacturing costs will drop as economies of scale
are achieved.
Various electric-powered sports models manufactured in the U.S.
and Europe have tended to grab the headlines recently, but the
main sales growth in future is likely to take place in China.
At present, the U.S. continues to be the world’s biggest EV
market, although it is Japan’s Nissan Leaf that heads electric
car sales.
The government in China, faced with tackling serious pollution
problems in many cities, is giving big subsidies to the
country’s electric car manufacturers.
Incentives to Buyers
HTML http://elqahera-trading.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dollar-sign-thumbnail1.jpg<br
/>
It is also offering incentives to buyers, in terms of lower
insurance premiums and road taxes, discounted charging
facilities and access to urban road networks when other vehicles
are banned due to high pollution levels.
Xindayang, a Chinese manufacturer, is marketing electric
vehicles in China at a cost of $10,000 :o
HTML http://www.createaforum.com/gallery/renewablerevolution/3-080515182559.png<br
/> —much cheaper than EVs elsewhere.
Chinese EV manufacturers have global ambitions. Faraday Future,
a China-backed EV maker, recently announced plans to invest more
than a billion dollars in a manufacturing plant in the U.S.
China is also investing heavily in the necessary infrastructure
for EVs. The State Council—the main law-making body in
China—announced last year that facilities would be developed to
handle up to five million plug-in vehicles by 2020.
HTML http://ecowatch.com/2016/03/09/electric-car-revolution-bloomberg/
HTML http://ecowatch.com/2016/03/09/electric-car-revolution-bloomberg/
Agelbert COMMENT: I agree. In fact, I believe that by 2026, NOT
2040, EVs will have the market penetration projected in the
chart as increased awareness of the damage that gasoline does is
reflected in vehicle purchases for EVs or ethanol only (E100)
engine powered vehicles.
It is a little known fact by the general public that refineries
CANNOT refine crude oil without producing a significant
percentage of what was called a WASTE product back in the late
19th century (i.e. GASOLINE). Rockefeller used to flush it down
the rivers in Pennsylvania, poisoning horses and cows nearby
downstream. The local farmers were not happy campers. This is
all documented history.
Then, in the early 20th century, Rockefeller bailed Henry Ford
out of financial ruin in return for making sure the model T ran
on GASOLINE. The rest is polluting history that got WORSE when
tetra ethyl lead (which is STILL LEGAL for internal combustion
engine powered aircraft in the USA) was added with the
Prohibition ([I]Rockefeller funded, by the way[/I]) SCAM to make
ethanol (a higher octane fuel than gasoline that DOES NOT
require lead octane boosting for high compression engines)
"illegal" (see: "Competition is a sin" J. D. Rockefeller).
But NOW, the Electric Vehicle caused lack of demand for the
refinery WASTE product known as gasoline will further crater the
bottom line of every fossil fuel corporation, accelerating their
path to bankruptcy.
GOOD!
If not for the greed of John D. Rockefeller, cars would run on
alcohol today.
Most people are not aware that Henry Ford's Model T came in a
variation that allowed the driver to switch the carburetor to
run the engine on farm-made ethyl alcohol. This allowed the
operator to stop at local farms (equipped with stills) to refuel
his/her car during long trips through the backcountry. After
all- the gas station wasn't exactly as ubiquitous in those days,
as it is now. The Standard Oil Company and its
industrialist-founder John D. Rockefeller wasn't too happy with
this arrangement. After all, Rockefeller's company had a virtual
monopoly on gasoline at this time in our nation's development.
Since the late 1800's there had been a growing Alcohol
Temperance Movement developing among reformers. Rockefeller saw
an opportunity in this. It is well-documented that local efforts
to curb alcohol consumption were expanded to the national level
when high-profile figures like Rockefeller joined in the
anti-alcohol efforts. Was he so concerned with the social
problems that abuse of alcohol was said to cause?
HTML http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_2932.gif
No... John D. Rockefeller was not concerned with family dynamics
in the working classes. But he was influential in changing the
goals of the movement from temperance to prohibition. He gave
the equivalent of $60 million in today's dollars to an obscure
group pushing for prohibition called the Women's Christian
Temperance Union. As we know, his contribution to the outlawing
of the production and sale of alcohol was successful. Of course,
Rockefeller and the oil companies reaped tremendous profits as a
result. Remember that the period covered by the 18th Amendment
(1919-1933) coincided with the huge rise in the sale and
operation of automobiles. America was on the move, and all of
these cars were now operated solely on gasoline. By the time
that the 21st Amendment was passed, ending the prohibition of
alcohol, the standard was already set and worked completely in
the favor of the Rockefeller family.
[center][center]
HTML http://ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ruffalo750.jpg[/center]<br
/>[/center]
#Post#: 4693--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: March 15, 2016, 6:54 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]
HTML http://www.bargainteers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/tesla-fremont-factory-drone-4k.jpg.662x0_q70_crop-scale.jpg[/center]
[center]Simply put, the scale of the Tesla Factory in Fremont is
HUGE.[/center]
[center]Wall Street tours the Tesla factory -- and loves
HTML http://elqahera-trading.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dollar-sign-thumbnail1.jpg<br
/>what it sees ;D[/center]
By Tom Randall March 14, 2016
Wall Street analysts have been touring Tesla’s massive factory
in Fremont, California, and they're returning with the same
conclusion: Elon Musk's electric-vehicle company is getting
ready for something big. In a sign of this enthusiasm, Robert W.
Baird & Co. upgraded its Tesla rating on Monday morning
following a factory tour.
Tesla spent some $1.6 billion on major upgrades last year as it
prepares to laumch its first attempt at a mass-market car—the
Model 3—on March 31. The transformation is striking, according
to auto analysts at Stifel Financial Corp, Credit Suisse Group
AG, and Baird. The firms are telling investors that Tesla is
learning from the mistakes that delayed its previous launches
and is on track to make the shift from producing tens of
thousands of $80,000 cars to hundreds of thousands of $35,000
cars—assuming the Model 3 proves a success with drivers.
Here are some of the changes the analysts witnessed on Teslas
factory floor and in discussions with Tesla's new Chief
Financial Officer, Jason Wheeler.
[center] 'Stunning Progress' [/center]
Last week, Stifel analysts returned from their fourth visit in
four years to Tesla’s flagship factory in Fremont. “In roughly
one year since our last visit,” wrote analyst James Albertine,
“the progress witnessed is truly stunning." Tesla shares have
jumped 45 percent in the last month as Musk, the chief
executive, sought to reassure investors that the company is
still on track after the challenging and much-delayed launch of
the Model X luxury SUV.
[center]New Aluminum Stamping Press[/center]
Stifel and Credit Suisse both noted Tesla's new aluminum
stamping press, which Credit Suisse's Galves says has 10 to 20
times the output of Tesla's older machine. The bodies of the
Model S and Model X are both made of aluminum, which costs twice
as much as steel but weighs less. Tesla hasn't yet disclosed the
composition of the Model 3. Keeping the weight down on electric
vehicles helps achieve the maximum range from the battery, but
maintaining a balance between cost and performance is crucial
for a mass-market plug-in car.
[center]Paint Shop[/center]
Tesla has built a new state-of-the-art paint shop that's capable
of scaling up to 500,000 cars a year. That happens to be Tesla's
production forecast for 2020, a ten-fold increase from last
year's sales. If Tesla is to achieve that lofty goal, paint jobs
won't be a holdup.
Faster Assembly Lines
Tesla's assembly lines are faster and more automated than those
observed during a tour 18 months ago, according to Credit
Suisse's Galves. The body assembly line is now rated to produce
about 175,000 cars a year, with final assembly capability of
more than 100,000 cars.
[center]'Dimensional Design Studio'[/center]
This new area of the factory is a place where Tesla engineers
can "stress test vehicle design features in a controlled
environment on-site," said Albertine.
[center]More Robots [/center]
"Robotics systems are customized, production processes are
revolutionary, and attention-to-detail/supply chain management
is improving by the minute," wrote Stifel's Albertine. "We do
not believe this production process is one competitors can
easily recreate." Tesla's manufacturing skills will help the
company reach its target of more than 25 percent gross profit
margins on the Model X, according to Baird's Kallo.
[center]More Humans [/center]
Tesla expanded its workforce by 29 percent last year, to 13,058,
according to company filings. That's up from fewer than 900
employees in 2010. The workers have been consolidated within the
Fremont facility, with "several football-field sized areas
spanning the entry to the facility with desks, computers and
seemingly invigorated staff," Albertine said. "There was an
energy and buzz within the facility that is hard to imagine as
an outsider."
[center]Batteries
HTML http://www.pic4ever.com/images/19.gif[/center]
Tesla is already shifting battery production work to its massive
"gigafactory" under construction in Nevada. After the factory
tour in Fremont, Baird's Kallo came back convinced that battery
costs are already just half of the industry average and are
falling more quickly than most estimates. "This should allow
Tesla to produce the Model 3 with healthy margins, and to invest
in vehicle aesthetics and performance, placing it above
competing vehicles," he wrote in a note to investors on March
14. He upgraded his rating on the stock to "outperform" and
raised his price target to $300. The stock rose 3.8 percent
today to $215.47 on Monday morning.
[center]Lessons From the Model X[/center]
Tesla's luxury SUV, the Model X, has seen long delays and a slow
roll-out due to several engineering choices, including complex
vertically opening "falcon wing" doors, mono-post rear seats,
and the largest piece of windshield glass in the industry. All
three analysts noted seeing the Model X in production lines, but
still at a relatively slow rate compared with the Model S.
Albertine counted roughly five or six Model S sedans in
production for every Model X.
Wheeler, Tesla's new CFO, assured the analysts that lessons had
been learned. It appears, wrote Galves, that the engineers at
Telsa led the planning meetings for the Model X, with
insufficient input from the financing, manufacturing, and
purchasing departments. Now those groups appear to have an equal
voice. "Model 3 launch timing and ease of mass production is
significantly more important than it was for the Model X,"
Galves wrote. "On the Model 3, management indicated that there
is a clear focus on ease of build, on-time launch, and cost.
[center]
HTML http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/564a3d2d2491f990008b5829-2504-1878/img_3171.jpg[/center]
[center]Benjamin Zhang/Business InsiderTesla drive units at the
company's Fremont, California factory.[/center]
HTML http://finance.yahoo.com/news/wall-street-tours-tesla-factory-154636498.html
#Post#: 4783--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: March 28, 2016, 2:34 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Wike City Shopper Grocery Trailer ;D[/center]
Forget about finding a parking spot or fighting for a grocery
cart.
$250.00
Leave the congestion and hassle of taking your car to the
grocery store behind. With the Wike Grocery Shopper Bicycle
Trailer you can get in shape, park next to the door, and go from
store to home without unloading a grocery cart and loading your
trunk. Plenty of space and a 75lbs carrying capacity makes this
the perfect grocery-getter.
The “Push Bar” option must be purchased at the same time as the
trailer, it can not be retrofitted at a later date. The Wike
City Shopper is built at our factory in Guelph Canada.
[center]
HTML https://youtu.be/YYY4k83MOkc[/center]
HTML http://www.wicycle.com/index.php/products/cargo-trailers/wike-city-shopper-grocery-trailer
Agelbert NOTE: That's a bit pricey.
Tipke The Bike Hitch Only
[center]
HTML http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61KHS4EXHbL._SY355_.jpg[/center]
Sale Price $51.31
List Price: $59.99
You save 14%
HTML http://www.hayneedle.com/product/tipkethebikehitch.cfm?ltype=child&tid=TPK003-1
Agelbert NOTE: Now add a cheapy electric boost bike from Walmart
or Amazon and, if you stay within 25 miles of your home on all
trips, you will NEVER need fossil fuel based transportation
again (And YES, the mining for materials and the factories that
make solar boost bikes and tow trailers for them certainly can,
and eventually ALL will, run on Renewable Energy
HTML http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/tuzki-bunnys/tuzki-bunny-emoticon-005.gif).<br
/>ALL of these bikes will have greater range AND power when the
lithium batteries get cheap enough to power them instead of the
heavy lead acid crap.
To get a rough idea of what kind of power an electric motor
gives you, remember that 750W is equivalent to one horsepower.
HOWEVER, you can't just floor these motors (if they are small
motors like most bike motors are) for long periods like you can
a small internal combustion engine. The amount of current sent
to a motor at any given time (amperage) must be controlled to
avoid frying the windings (and other parts :P).
For details on how voltage and amperage affect electric motors,
this link gives a brief explanation:
"The watts of the motor (P=I*V) is determined by the voltage and
amps. It will only deliver the specified watts if the voltage
and amps are the ones specified."
HTML https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/current-draw-of-a-motor-under-different-situations.585336/
Nevertheless, the 750W number is a good guide. I will provide
another post on batteries for these vehicles here. Electrics
don't need oil changes but they do need temperature management
of both the motor and the batteries. Electronics can do that
easily. This beats the hell out of polluting internal combustion
engine maintenance by far!
[center]Yukon Trail Men's Urban Street Electric Bike [/center]
By: Yukon
$449.99
FREE shipping
[center]
HTML http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41c8tdAo9-L.jpg[/center]
HTML http://www.walmart.com/ip/Yukon-Trail-Male-Urban-Street-Electric-Bike/20780270
Navigator SM24 Single Speed Bike Electric Bike
SM24
Simple and easy, the Navigator Urban Street electric bike is all
you need to enjoy around town, it can speed up to 15 miles per
hour and has a range of 28 miles per charge. This bike is ideal
for transportation around the city and still enjoy the pleasure
of a smooth ride.
Motor
The Navigator SM24 features a 250W, 24V Brushless motor. The
lead acid 24V/10AH battery has a range of 28 miles per charge.
The Controller has a speed sensor 24V brushless PAS
(pedal-assisted system).
Tires
The Electric Bike has 24 inch x 1.75W tires with reflectors. The
rims are 24 inch alloy double wall allowing the bike to reach a
top speed of up to 15 MPH. The SM24 features V-brakes in both
the front and rear allowing riders to stop at a safe distance.
HTML http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Trails-Outback-Electric-Mountain/dp/B00NPY7WAY
By Amazon Customer on June 7, 2014
Style Name: Men's Verified Purchase
I orginally posted a review..but it was only like 4 days since I
owned the item..now thats its been like a month..I can be more
objective.
The yukon navigator..I give it 4 stars..its very good. but not
over the top. It came in the shipping pacakge from
Amazon..almost falling out on the bottom..actually the front
fender was bent, badly..and a few nicks on the frames paint.
It was however wrapped very well in foam/bubble wrap. The whole
process of putting it together was easy enough..you just put the
handlebars, seat post, pedals, front brakes, and front wheel on.
The company does provide a nice tool to use.
The motor on this ebike..is sufficient for flats at
250watts..but on any real hill, especially steep..forget it!
Even with full throttle you will pedaling hard..mainly because
the bike is heavy and only has 1 speed.
The frame is heavy duty..the weldings are done well, and has a
built into the frame rear rack..which I am sure will hold 40
pounds or more with panniers. The tires are o.k...24 inch
wheels..smooth to ride on..but I have to check the tire pressure
often. The chain on the bike is cheap..it stretched out in a
week..and started to fall a part. So I bought a new red chain,
from Amazon and a chain tool..for both around $23. The color of
the bikes paint is a nice burgundy. The seat has suspension
below it, and is very comfortable for even a 10 mile ride. The
rear wheel has a built into the motor disc brake, for very good
stopping. The front v-brakes like on most bikes can be a pain,
to get it just right. The bike has a chain guard to keep your
pants clean.
Now performance of this ebike is not bad..it goes 15mph ( I got
it to 17mph on long flat stretches/motor only). Once you go over
like 8 mph, pedaling doesn't do much for you, since its a one
speed gear. The motor operates on a pedal assist system..you
just pedal, like 3 rotations, and turn the throttle and away you
go..or just pedal and keep pedaling at a nice clip..it will
bring you up to 15mph fast. The battery is Sealed-Lead Acid
type, 10ah capacity..it comes with a good wall charger, that has
worked every time I used it. The battery takes about 4-6 hours
to charge depending on how much you used. It's very important to
charge as soon as you get back from a ride..to save the battery.
I personally get 10-12 miles with low pedaling(Mostly
throttle)..the Mfr rating is up to 28 miles. Realistically with
the ampage..and the heavy weight of the bike..perhaps with a
light rider and heavy pedaling to the motor you may get 18
miles. I am over 200 pounds..so I have tested it to be about 10
miles. Now with a lithium lifepo4, 24v20ah battery you would get
much more range..and less time to charge the battery and such.
However a lithium battery, will cost you $500 or more( many
selling them do have them in the battery box case with the key
style)..Yukon the maker of the ebike does sell the battery for
like $60 (a Sla replacement)..though I do not know how much
shipping is, plus you would have to open the battery box, and
wire the batteries). also the mfr (Yukon) has a part for every
inch of the ebike..just google their website, and search for
parts.
The ebke comes with a classic bell, and a nice LED front light,
with a switch on the handlebars..powered by the bikes battery.
The petals are steel, not plastic..which is nice.
The ebike has a battery meter next to the throttle, though even
when fully charged it goes right to yellow (medium charge
left)..when you accelerate. It goes back to green, when you let
off the throttle..the light goes red about 2 miles before the
battery is depleted.
This ebike is great for those looking to buy a ebike, but do not
want to pay $800 plus, to begin. For me it has run well, gone a
steady 15mph, even though I am over 200 pounds. It s a fun
ride..great for around town but not to far. Also I wanted to
say, on flats even with the battery on..its easy to pedal for
awhile..on hills, you need the motor on, and full throttle!
This ebike is well worth at it $400. some websites sell it for
like $650! with shipping. Like anything, if you take good care
of the bike (battery and all the parts) it should last. I highly
recommend it..check the web who sell this ebike, and there are
some good reviews..and yes some bad..but even a ebike kit with
wheel and battery is going to cost you the same, at least.
Blessings on bike riding with ease!
HTML http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Trails-Outback-Electric-Mountain/dp/B00NPY7WAY
#Post#: 4784--------------------------------------------------
Re: Electric Vehicles
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: March 28, 2016, 2:45 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Electric Bicycle Batteries: Lithium Vs. Lead Acid
Batteries[/center]
SNIPPET:
A big downside of lithium batteries is that they are much more
expensive than lead acid batteries. Prices vary depending on the
voltage and capacity of the lithium battery, but standard ebikes
usually have lithium batteries starting in the $300 range and
rising quickly from there. Most bikes I build have lithium
batteries in the $400-$500 range.
However, when you factor in the shorter life cycle of lead acid
batteries, they become comparable to lithium batteries over the
entire life of the electric bicycle. For example, a lithium
battery may cost five times the price of a lead acid battery,
but it could easily last five times as long as well, making the
price about the same over the life of the lithium battery.
--- Quote ---
>
> You’d have to buy at least four replacement lead acid
batteries (maybe even more) by the time your lithium battery
finally kicks the can.
--- End Quote ---
One other disadvantage of lithium batteries that isn’t talked
about often, but should be, is their potential for theft.
Excellent, informative and detailed article by Micah:
HTML http://www.pic4ever.com/images/reading.gif
About Micah
Micah is a mechanical engineer, tinkerer and husband. He's spent
the better part of a decade working in the electric bicycle
industry, and is the author of The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide.
Micah can usually be found riding his electric bicycles around
Florida, Tel Aviv, and anywhere else his ebikes wind up.
HTML http://www.ebikeschool.com/electric-bicycle-batteries-lithium-vs-lead-acid-batteries/
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