Personal Electric Vehicle Page Links to information about electric bicycles.
PIVCO The battery-driven cars of the future will not only be environmentally friendly, energy-saving, small and light; they will also be recyclable. If everything goes according to plan, you will be able to buy a Norwegian battery-driven car, a CityBee (or Citi in the US), in 1999.
Plugging In: A Consumer Guide to Electric Cars What is an Electric Vehicle? Generally speaking, an electric vehicle is a mode of personal transportation which runs on energy stored in rechargeable batteries. These EVs are refueled by "plugging them in" and storing an electrical charge. This report focuses on electric cars, but there are also electric bicycles, electric motorscooters, and electric boats, as well as off-road electrics such as fork lifts and golf carts.
Plug Power, L.L.C. Plug Power is a joint venture between DTE Energy Co., (the parent of Detroit Edison), and Mechanical Technology Inc.or MTI (an early developer of fuel cell technologies). Their goal is to develop and manufacture affordable fuel cell systems for both residential and automotive applications.
Rhode Island Electric Vehicle Rental Project The goal of this project is to expand the existing EV rental business in the Northeast and throughout the U.S.
S.A.E. AFIKIM - ELECTRIC VEHICLES Founded in 1980, it is a leader in the development and manufacturing of sophisticated, electrically powered vehicles. Each product is equipped with a unique feature giving it a significant advantage over comparable products in the market. This advantage enables S.A.E. Afikim to expand despite the fierce competition in the market. Our products include the following: 1.SPORTSTER- The strongest scooter of its kind with the longest travelling capacity & unique performance for outdoor application. 2.SUPERLIGHT SCOOTER- The most lightweight in the world, which can be disassembled & reassembled at a finger touch. 3.ADD-ON POWER KIT- Upgrades a hand powered wheelchair into an electrically powered wheelchair.
Some EV History The following is a sketchy history of some of the makes, marques and movers in the history of on-road EVs. It is not intended to be as complete as some published works on the subject, and it is the result of the author's knowledge and researches, and those of others who have provided information to him.
Sparrow - World's First Personal Transport Module The Sparrow is a design revolution. Engineered from the ground up as a supplemental commuter vehicle to fill this exact need. Its highly efficient design enables it to provide extremely cost effective transportation for as little as a penny per mile. Its small size makes it extremely nimble, simple to park and will help alleviate traffic congestion in large metropolitan areas. Priced at $12,900 the Sparrow is the first ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) to offer a cost effective solution for daily riders.
Sustainable Transportation for a World Beyond Oil An article by Ron Swenson about sustainable strategies for future transportation.
Taylor-Dunn For almost 50 years, Taylor-Dunn® vehicles have excelled in a number of off-road applications both in the U.S. and throughout the world. Taylor-Dunn® Manufacturing began as an idea in "grass roots" America. In 1949, a Southern California farmer sought to expand his business by selling equipment and supplies to fellow farmers. The first electric truck was built in 1951 and was used on R. D. Taylor Sr.'s own chicken ranch. That year, Fred A. Dunn joined the business and four years later it became Taylor-Dunn® Manufacturing Company. Soon the company began making and selling electric trucks to ranchers and farmers for use around their properties.
The Case for Electric Vehicles New technological developments have put practical electric cars within reach, but politics may slow the shift away from internal-combustion engines.Policymakers and industry have four options: reduce vehicle use, increase the efficiency and reduce the emissions of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, switch to less noxious fuels, or find less polluting propulsion systems. The last of these--in particular the introduction of vehicles powered by electricity--is ultimately the only sustainable option.
The Day of the Fuel Cell-Powered Car Nears The automobile industry recently moved one step closer to mass-producing fuel cell-powered cars thanks to a new iridium catalyst discovered by scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The clean energy source is a major player in the battle to prevent global warming.
The Eco-Vehicle: A Sustainable Personal Transportation System The automobile is one of the most popular technologies ever developed. However, automobiles are presently responsible for about 20% of global energy consumption and the effluents from internal combustion engines (ICEs) in cars pollute our air. The dominant role of the automobile in the economic development of the world's richest nations and the addictive convenience cars provide to consumers have created powerful socioeconomic momentum which will resist either shifts away from automotive transport or rapid changes in the mature technology used in modern cars. Nevertheless, substantial changes are unavoidable if are cars are to become sustainable. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer considerable promise to reduce the negative impacts of automobiles on the environment.
The Electric Island Electrical cars soon will be a practical and convenient alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles on the U.K. island of Jersey. Toyota will lease five electrically powered RAV4's to the Jersey Electricity Company. And the electric utility will place the vehicles with five of the finest hotels on the island. Islanders and hotel guests will be able to rent the RAV4 EV's for the same price as ordinary vehicle rentals.
TWIKE of Switzerland The TWIKE concept was developed by engineering students from the prestigious ETH in Zurich participating in an international competition for innovative vehicles. At Expo ’86 in Vancouver the TWIKE prototype was introduced to an astonished public. In combination with its pedal drive TWIKE has set the standard as the world’s most efficient and economical vehicle on the road. The use of sophisticated drive technology guarantees efficiency while rendering this high tech vehicle easy to operate.
UltraLight Rail for Santa Cruz Solar-electric rail is a smokeless, noiseless rail transit system based on recent advances in solar racing car technology. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) is finishing up a major study on transportation options which includes expanding Highway 1 or using the existing rail corridor for transit. While the Ultra Light Rail is not "officially" being considered by the county, strong public support for the ULR could make it a viable contender.
What Goes Into an Electric Vehicle? Please keep in mind that there is more to an electric vehicle (small parts) than just what is listed here, and there are published books available to assist you in your next electric vehicle project. Most electric vehicles are as different as the people that drive them. In otherwords, depending on the persons' needs and wants, the design of an electric vehicle can be quite different from one to another.
What is an Electric Vehicle? The term "Electric Vehicle" (or "EV") includes all vehicles propelled by an electric motor. This definition includes the following types of electric vehicles: Battery electric; Hybrid electric; and Fuel cell electric.
WHAT'S THE CHARGE? Estimating the Emissions Benefits of Electric Vehicles in Southern California This study culminates a joint effort by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense Fund to assess the air emissions impacts of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) in the South Coast air basin (the greater Los Angeles area) and compare them to the emissions from gasoline powered vehicles. Its findings are particular to the vehicles and power grid of that region.
Whisper Mfg., LLC - Mini-Cars & Trucks Choose Safe - Clean - Dependable Electric or Traditional and Popular Gas Powered.
Zebra Motors, Inc. (ZEBRA) ZEBRA was recently founded to further refine, develop, and put into production the "Zebra" electric sports car. ZEBRA has purchased the proprietary rights, know how, and working prototypes of the electric vehicle formerly known as the "Tropica" from Renaissance Cars, Inc. (RCI). Over $4 million was spent on the research, development, testing and construction of this electric car. ZEBRA believes that the Zebra is the platform for the world's first, low cost, efficient electric sports car.
Zutter Electric Vehicles, Inc. (ZEV) ZEV is a new manufacturer of electric vehicles. The company intends to establish assembly facilities in 1997 with the production of vehicles in 1998. The design is futuristic, but functional an exciting change from the expected! Body and frame will be formed of aluminum and with lead-acid batteries, tires and electric drive train all recyclable, the vehicles will be environmentally friendly.
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David Rezachek