STIR

First responders get training on electric vehicles

January 19th, 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and West Virginia University’s National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) launched a training program specializing in teaching first responders how to treat crashes involving hybrids, battery-electric vehicles and other advanced-powertrain vehicles. NAFTC has also launched in iPhone app – and will do the same for Android smartphone users – that responders may use to quickly reference facts and instructions while in action.

“Because more consumers are choosing electric drive vehicles, first responders must understand the differences between these and conventional, gasoline-powered vehicles, NAFTC Executive Director Al Ebron said in a statement. “Electric drive vehicles are as safe as conventional vehicles, but they are different.”

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What does MPGe mean?

December 28th, 2011

Nice article in the Christian Science Monitor discusses the alternative to miles-per-gallon (MPG) as people struggle to understand the comparative efficiency of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Using miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) as the EPA suggests really doesn’t seem like much improvement.

Instead energy-cost-per-mile or miles-per-dollar might make sense. But that has the drawback of needing updates as energy costs change and will need some getting used to.

Tags: electric car, MPGs
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New battery research…will this benefit electric cars?

November 22nd, 2011

A recent story in the Christian Science Monitor discusses a breakthrough that may provide huge improvements in battery life and shortened recharge time.

According to the report:

…scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago announced a breakthrough last week that could result in lithium-ion batteries (the kind found in most rechargeable gadgets) with a 10-fold increase in both battery life and charging speed.

The downside to the new technique is that the battery is more susceptible to degradation: after about 150 charge cycles, or about a year of operation, the capacity and charging speed start to diminish sharply.

Here’s hoping that the research makes it’s way to electric car batteries with potentially large improvements in range and recharge time. We’ll keep you posted as we hear more.

Tags: battery, electric
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STIR board members speak on WCVE/LMR “Start the Conversation”

October 3rd, 2011

STIR was was the focus of the latest “Start the Conversation” program on WCVE presented by Leadership Metro Richmond.

From the WCVE website:

Green transportation initiatives? In Richmond? In this episode of Start the Conversation, host Gene Lepley is joined by a guest panel to discuss such possibilities. They explore the Sustainable Transportation Initiative of Richmond (STIR) project and reveal some of the ways Richmond is making strides in the area of sustainable green transportation.

The guest panel included Mary Doswell (Sr. VP of Alternative Energy Solutions, Dominion Resources, STIR Chair), Kim Scheeler (President and CEO, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, STIR Chair-Elect), and Mark Creery (President, Data Directions, Inc. and STIR Secretary, JSRCC Board Member).

Tags: STIR in the news
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Richmond Awarded 2015 UCI Road World Cycling Championships

September 21st, 2011

Richmond was selected to host the global event, the 2015 World Cycling Championships, this morning! The event brings with it an incredible economic impact and international visibility for our region.

“The World Road Cycling Championships is a nine-day event that could bring more than 450,000 people from 70 countries and $135.3 million in estimated economic benefits to the Richmond area, while showcasing the city on TV to millions of cycling fans around the world.”

Congratulations to the Mayor and his administration and thanks to Tom Farrell and Dominion for their leadership as well as the Governor for his support! This is truly a great development for our region.

“Richmond is thrilled to be selected to host the 2015 Road World Cycling Championships, joining a list of great cities like Madrid, Florence and Copenhagen,” said Richmond Mayor, Dwight C. Jones. “Bicycling, for transport and fitness, has been an important focus of my administration. Hosting the World Championships will help bring Richmond one step closer to being one of the world’s great bicycling cities.”

Tags: cycling
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Museum installing electric vehicle charging station

September 1st, 2011

Virginia Business reports that the Virginia Museum of Transportation is installing the first electric vehicle charging station in downtown Roanoke.

Beverly T. Fitzpatrick Jr., the museum’s executive director, said installation of the Eaton Level 2 Pow-R-Station is part of its efforts to highlight emerging transportation technologies and their effect on community development. “Alternative energies and fuels have an important place in the future of transportation,” Fitzpatrick said.

Tags: charging stations, electric car
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GM looking to reinvent the automobile with a 2-wheeled car

August 23rd, 2011

General Motors has unveiled plans for an all-electric, 2-wheel vehicle designed on Segway platform. As reported in The Blaze:

Will urban drivers be willing to take less traffic congestion over a backseat? GM thinks so. The American auto-maker, who in February reported its first full-year profit since 2004, has been in development of three two-wheeled, Segway-based, all-electric EN-Vs (Electric Networked Vehicles). The three models called the Jiao, Miao and Xiao, look to solve the problems drivers face in urban areas including traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability.

Tags: electric car, GM
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Jacques Fresco way ahead of his time

June 24th, 2011

A friend recently sent me some information on Jacques Fresco, a futurist, now in his 90′s that has been talking about among may things sustainable transportation.

His innovative systems, including MagLev trains that don’t need to stop to take on or drop off passengers are very impressive. His Venus project continues to make progress with a development of prototype village.

This controversial, but fascinating, interview with Larry King in 1974 is a must watch.

Tags: high speed rail, public transportation
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Ford Focus Electric unveiled at Richmond Ford May 6th – Press Conference

May 7th, 2011

As reported in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Ford Motor Company unveiled their new Ford Focus Electric at Richmond Ford on Friday May 6th, 2011. Richmond has been chosen as one of the pilot cities for the introdcution of Ford’s all-electric vehicle. Project STIR worked with Ford, Dominion Power, the CIty of Richmond, and others to help Ford select Richmond as a pilot city. STIR members were on hand for the press conference.

Kim Scheeler (GRCC) and Mary Doswell (Dominion)

David Berdish (Ford)

JSRCC Auto Instructors, STIR Members

Tags: electric car, Richmond, STIR in the news
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