Green Energy News | December 14, 1997

December 14, 1997 – Vol.2 No.37

ENERGIES... week of December 14, 1997

GOLF CARTS NO LONGER. Electric vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, which gathered at the 14th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS-14) in Orlando, Florida, deserve a pat on the back for a job well done. The words slick and sophisticated come to mind when describing the latest breed of battery powered and hybrid electric cars. EV's are clearly a growing industry ready and willing to pounce on the marketplace.

But while EV enthusiasts have the same kind of passion for their technology as today’s computer techies, there is an underlying concern. When will the car buying public make the switch to EV's? What unseen force will encourage them to do so?

MORE THAN SMOOTH, QUIET AND CLEAN. EV's are a virtuous lot. These cars are mechanically simple compared with a modern gasoline powered car. Fewer working parts translate into fewer expensive repairs and a longer life span. Already EV builders talk about upgradeable battery packs so owners can take advantage of improving technologies. With battery pack upgrades, other components could follow.

EV's still have major hurdles to overcome - high cost, limited range (or the perception thereof), and the lack of a recharging infrastructure. But consider this. With tax incentives some EVs cost about the same as trendy sport utility vehicles - $25-$30,000 are no longer sticker shock prices. Battery technology is improving rapidly and 100-mile-plus range is fairly common - even though most people don't need that much. Utility companies are starting to see dollars in EV's - public and home-based recharging stations can be guaranteed money makers.

GOVERNMENT MANDATES TO SELL CARS? Even without legislation to help sales, the cars might sell themselves with more exposure. The chance to drive these machines might be all it would take. All of the cars driven at EVS-14 by this editor brought on an easy smile. Despite the cold and rainy weather, many of the curious showed up for public for "ride and drives." Ride and drives could be incorporated into many open-air public events.

If the Federal government won’t mandate zero emission vehicles (read EV) there's nothing to stop states or communities from doing so. Ford and GM announced this week that they would introduce very low emission gasoline powered cars if the 13 states in the U.S. Northeast would drop their ZEV mandate. However, growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions is not addressed with these new cars. EV's get about twice the equivalent fossil fuel economy, thus less CO2, than even the cleanest of gasoline powered cars. More reason the Northeast could stick to their guns.

I DROVE AN EV AND LOVED IT. Of the 40 plus different models of hybrid and pure electric cars, trucks, buses, bikes and scooters on public display at EVS -14, this editor had the opportunity to drive six.

GM’s EV1 is a starship on wheels. It's quick, quiet, smooth and comfortable. (GM wisely paid a few EV-1 owners to act as company representatives. When asked what would happen to the car when his lease was up, a lessee replied "You mean if they can find it?"

GM's S-10 Electric Pick-up felt heavy and stable, yet quick enough. (It did set a speed record for electric vehicles at Pike’s Peak.)

Toyota’s RAV-4 EV is almost identical to the gas version, with the expected fine fit and finish as in any Toyota. Its notable feature was the ability to shift down into high-power regenerative braking, which slowed the vehicle rapidly without touching the brakes.

Honda’s EV PLUS is a model of simple 4-seat practicality. Its tall stance is typical for EV's. Battery packs are often mounted underneath, adding six inches or so of body height. Tall seems to be popular however, witness the elevated view from SUVs and mini vans.

Unique Mobility/Pininfarina’s Ethos 3 EV wins hands down for style and about equals the GM EV-1 in performance, but the car was a prototype and quite noisy because of lack of sound proofing and some gear box whine.

Bombardier’s NV (Neighborhood Vehicle) was the closest EV to a fancy golf cart, but Bombardier doesn't care. The company is targeting the NV for transportation within gated communities. At less than $8000 they might have a winner.

NOT DRIVEN, BUT NOTABLE. Love was in the air with Zytek’s Lotus Elise electric. A pretty lady with a gasoline engine - more than skin deep beauty with electric power. . . PEI Electronic’s H-HMMWV hybrid Humvee - more energy frugal and cleaner than the stock version, and faster too... Solectria’s Sunrise, Force and DW - small builder takes credit for tackling the big companies. The attractive and efficient Sunrise could be a winner... Toyota’s e-com “station” car could work in other parts of the world today - a long way off in the U.S... Toyota’s Prius hybrid car may be the first on the market with exceptional almost-70-mpg fuel economy. Watch out Detroit. Unique Mobility’s Ethos sports car - if only it was more than a prototype!

Kudos to all the EV builders and component manufacturers that appeared at EV-S 14 for their enthusiasm, dedication and fine engineering. If they can stick it out, their opportunity may come.