Villaraigosa Welcomes Solar Electric Vehicle Maker BYD

Posted on October 25, 2011 by quest

“Los Angeles is where the world creates and innovates,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “By reaching out to the world and harnessing LA’s unique resources, we have attracted China’s leading green company to our city. BYD’s (Build Your Dreams) new North American headquarters in downtown Los Angeles is the latest sign that we are a growing hub of clean-technology jobs. We see BYD’s Los Angeles opening as a catalyst that will usher in good jobs, global investment, and a more sustainable future.” China’s premier global, high-tech green company focused on developing electric vehicle technologies and efficient alternative energy sources, launched its North American operations today with the opening of new headquarters in Los Angeles. Technology-based and innovation-oriented, BYD is a multi-national manufacturer of electric and hybrid or dual-mode vehicles, solar power systems, environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries and battery energy storage, and energy efficient LED lighting.

The company is 50 percent U.S.-owned and has the backing of investor Warren Buffett via his MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, the utility division of Berkshire Hathaway. In 2010, BYD topped the Businessweek Technology 100 list and was ranked by the publication as the 8th most innovative company in the world. Based in Shenzhen, China, BYD employs more than 200,000 worldwide. BYD’s new North American headquarters, located along the Figueroa Corridor, will bring up to 150 green-collar engineering and management jobs focused on research and development to Los Angeles, as well as serving as the focal point for privately owned BYD dealerships across the continent.

I Love You City of Angeles

This green technology investment will generate hundreds of additional jobs in the region. Dealerships will sell BYD’s landmark dual-mode electric and e6 pure electric vehicles to consumers and commercial fleets, all-electric long-range eBUS commercial buses, rapid charging stations, LED and solar street and parking light systems, residential solar systems, and replacement parts. BYD aims to grow Electric Bus, e6 electric cross-over and solar panel businesses from Los Angeles; Company unveils electric bus created in partnership with Hertz for use at LA International Airport.“BYD is thrilled to be making this investment in Los Angeles, a global city working towards a green, sustainable future,” said BYD Chairman Chuanfu Wang. “We look forward to a long, productive relationship with the City, and thank Mayor Villaraigosa and his team for their hard work and dedication to recruiting green businesses to Los Angeles.”

Alexandra Cousteau ‘This Generation’s Space Race’

New Taxies Turn NYC Yellow Cabs Green

Posted on October 23, 2011 by quest

The Vehicle Production Group LLC today announced the approval of VPG’s MV-1 motor vehicle by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission for use as a New York City taxicab. The MV-1 is the first and only factory-built and assembled vehicle that meets or exceeds the vehicle guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Community advocates, taxi owners and VPG representatives made a joint presentation yesterday to the TLC prior to its unanimous approval of the MV-1 to operate in the city as a taxicab. This is the first time since the fabled “Checker Cab” that a purpose-built vehicle has been approved for operation. The approval allows the owners of the more than 13,000 taxis currently operating in the city to begin replacing their vehicles with the fully accessible MV-1, allowing them to not only provide a better quality of comfort and safety to customers but make it possible for New York residents and visitors with disabilities to more easily get around the city.

Joanna D. Underwood, president of New York City-based Energy Vision, a national environmental organization that promotes sustainable transportation said, “A fleet of MV-1′s will reduce the city’s dependence on foreign oil by five million gallons a year and will reap fuel cost savings of $5 million. “This is a great day for accessible transportation for the disabled,” said VPG Chairman Fred Drasner. “We have spent five years developing what we believe will be the best vehicle ever put into taxi service for all New Yorkers – especially those with disabilities. I am confident that the MV-1 will soon be regarded with the fondness reserved for the iconic Checker Cab of the bygone era in New York City.”

The MV-1 is built from the ground up to address the needs of over 14 million Americans who must use wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers or other mobility devices. Routine activities such as traveling in a vehicle present a significant obstacle in their daily lives. Proudly assembled in the USA, the MV-1 is not a converted van or other aftermarket product. The MV-1 is also the only ADA compliant vehicle with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engineered and assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel system option. Since the system is factory installed, the MV-1 with the CNG option meets all government safety and crash test requirements and maintains the same durability, reliability and quality as the gasoline-powered vehicle. Fleet operators and consumers can reduce expenses by utilizing the less expensive CNG fuel.

Elon Musk Donates Solar Power Project In Japan

Revenge of the Electric Car LA Screening By REC Solar

Posted on October 19, 2011 by quest

REC Solar, a leading provider of home and commercial solar electric systems in the United States, took a lead in the movement for emissions free driving by announcing their sponsorship of the movie “Revenge of the Electric Car.” On Oct. 13, REC Solar hosted an advanced VIP screening of the feature film in Los Angeles – a week prior to the film’s premier on October 21st. More than 100 luminaries from diverse, but complementary industries including solar, electric vehicle (EV), utilities, government, media and entertainment were in attendance. “Revenge of the Electric Car,” from director Chris Paine who also brought us the 2006 film “Who Killed the Electric Car?,” takes viewers behind the scenes of Nissan, General Motors and Tesla Motors to chronicle key players in the race to create the cleanest vehicle. Filming started in 2007 and didn’t stop until each company’s electric cars were sold to the public. Paine has said, “You can’t kill an idea whose time has come.”

As soon as 2012, nearly 125,000 electric vehicles are expected to roll into traffic. EV enthusiasts, called “Revengers” by film promoters, also embrace solar power with most expressing interest in installing solar systems for their homes, if they have yet to do so.

Revenge of the Electric Car

“The industry is now forecasting one million electric vehicles to be on the road by 2016 which won’t just have an impact on [fossil fuel usage], but also on the environment when used with a solar system. The more solar energy is used with electric vehicles, the cleaner the environment becomes,” said Angiolo Laviziano, co-founder of Mainstream Energy, parent of REC Solar. “It is exciting to see the energy revolution unfolding in front of our eyes.”Other events such as National Plug-in Day are also bringing the electric vehicle center stage. By hosting the showing, REC Solar is calling attention to the ultra-sustainable intersection of solar and EV industries. When EVs are solar-charged, they are essentially “running on sunshine,” reducing greenhouse gases and lessening dependence on fossil fuels for a more secure, sustainable world – while at the same time delivering economic benefits to their drivers.

Environmental Media Awards Honor Justin Timberlake

Sky Power Brings Solar Energy To Electric Vehicles

Posted on October 17, 2011 by quest

Sky Power Solutions, an emerging leader in the development and marketing of next generation lithium-powered batteries worldwide, and a leading developer of residential Solar Power Generation system will present at Solar Power International in Dallas TX. Company representatives will be available to questions during the event. “We are excited to exhibit the Sky Power system at SPI. Taking about 1/3 the space of standard PV solar panels and the ability to derive heat from the unit makes it very efficient. In addition to the benefits of lower electric costs, the incentives being offered around the world reduces the users cost of the unit” says Rich Ralston, Public Relations and Media Manager for Sky Power Solutions.

The unique design of the Sky Power Solutions Residential system gives homeowners, for the first time, access to advanced concentrating PV (photovoltronic) technology combined with sun tracking while taking only about 1/3 the space compared to standard solar PV panels. Solar Power International (SPI) is North America’s largest, most comprehensive solar power trade show and conference. This annual, business-to-business event was the first of its kind in North America and grows bigger and better every year. Nearly 24,000 professionals from 125+ countries attend. With one out of five attendees coming from outside the United States, SPI is truly a global event. In 2011, over 1,100 companies from all vertical markets in the solar power spectrum will exhibit in a space of more than 1 million gross square feet.

The Sky Power Solutions residential solar power station will have the ability to reduce the average user’s monthly electric grid consumption by up to 30-40% with ZERO emissions and a ZERO carbon footprint; using only the power of the Sun. Visually appealing, the Sky Power Solutions system can easily be installed in most backyards taking less than one third of the space of conventional Solar panels. The entry level price point for a Sky Power Solutions-Concentrated Solar electric system is estimated to be $5,000 at release. Many financial incentives are available which reduces the user’s actual costs. Multiple units can be combined for increased capacity. Electric consumption in the United States is increasing at a rate that will outpace the anticipated expansion of the US Electric Grid’s capacity and Sky Power Solutions has identified this and is poised for expansion into the Residential Electric Power Generation market to allow end users to generate and return 30-40% of their electric usage back to the grid using “Net-Metering” and the Sky Power System.

Solar Energy Revolution Star Trek and The Wizard of Oz

Environmental Media Awards Honor Justin Timberlake

Posted on October 15, 2011 by quest

Toyota and Lexus are once again celebrating the entertainment industry’s environmental efforts as the presenting sponsors of the Environmental Media Awards today Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6:00 PM. In its 21st year, the annual event honors film and television productions that communicate environmental messages in the most creative and influential ways. This year’s honorees are actor and musician Justin Timberlake (In Time Movie), communications executive Marc Nathanson, Southern California Edison, and the Producer’s Guild of America’s environmental initiative – PGA Green. The nominees include films such as Yogi Bear, Disneynature African Cats and The Other Guys, and TV programs such as The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Biggest Loser and Futurama. This year marks Lexus and Toyota‘s 11th year as the presenting sponsors. The ceremony will be held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA.

“More than a decade ago, Toyota and Lexus joined forces with the Environmental Media Association to help communicate the benefits of hybrid technology. It’s inspiring to see how EMA links the power of celebrity and the influence of entertainment to environmental awareness,” said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president and secretary of Toyota Motor North America. “We congratulate the nominees and special honorees, and we thank you for continuing to convey environmental messages and actions in creative and influential ways.”

The Environmental Media Association doesn’t just recognize sustainable productions throughout the entertainment industry, but keeps productions environmentally responsible as well. Some of things the EMA does to green up the event include; using dinnerware that is compostable, use of local, seasonal, organic food and the event is completely water bottle free. The 21st Annual Environmental Media Awards, honoring film and television personalities, productions, musicians and musical tours that convey environmental messages in the most creative and influential ways, will be our most eco-friendly show to date. You can watch the Environmental Media Awards Saturday, October 15 6pm PT LIVE at www.Facebook.com/EMAOnline.

Justin Timberlake’s eco friendly gulf course

IN TIME

Solar Car Team Revs Up For World Solar Challenge

Posted on October 12, 2011 by quest

Since the 1980s, engineers have been building, and racing solar cars. With software from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., the University of Michigan (U-M) Solar Car Team has designed a car to compete in the World Solar Challenge in Australia this month. A six-time winner of the American National Championships, the U-M team is competing in the World Solar Challenge—and the car design is lighter and more aerodynamic than ever before. Since 2006 U-M has used SolidWorks software to become the number 1 ranked collegiate solar car team in North America. Next week they will compete on the world stage driving 1800 miles across Australia thanks to the work of over 100 students in various disciplines at U-M. Quantum, the single-seat race vehicle, will travel as far as it can until 5pm each afternoon powered by the sun and 5kW hours of stored energy (the same amount of energy that it takes to power a hair-dryer) or on the recovered kinetic energy from the vehicle.

“Only one U.S. team has ever won the World Solar Challenge,” said Chris Hilger, Business Director of U-M Solar. “This year, we believe we have a winning car design due to the improved aerodynamic shell and significantly lighter weight. SolidWorks helped us model each part to be as small, light, and effective as possible, and this contributes significantly to the car’s speed and maneuverability.”When designing the solar car, the U-M team found systems integration to be the most difficult challenge. Mechanical parts need to be small and light, in order to fit into as small an automotive shell as possible. The U-M team relied upon SolidWorks 3D CAD software to model all of the car components, and determined the amount of space needed for each component. The result is a car that is 30 percent more aerodynamic and 200 pounds lighter than the previous version.

“The U-M Solar Car Team has been able to achieve groundbreaking results with a lighter and faster car,” said Marie Planchard, director of education at Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks. “This extraordinary team is poised to take the lead at the World Solar Challenge, and we’re proud to have contributed to a stellar—and hopefully winning—design.”