What's in the News?

I ran across this post and it was (excuse the cliche) like a breath of fresh air:
http://www.twilightearth.com/2009/07/a-word-on-pollution-and-the-electric-vehicle/

If you read the news on the internet you probably see a lot of negative opinions about electric cars. Most just point out common assumptions and repeat them as fact.

An example of this was recently in the Morgan County News. Now I have no idea where Morgan County is, but that's not important. What is important is that when these mis-assumptions get passed off as fact they get into the popular mindset damaging the acceptance of this needed technology.

Here's another fine example - just the headline is inflammatory: Electric Cars - Kinda Stupid
This post just takes a quote from Wired and adds a rant on non-recyclable batteries - as if EVs run on alkaline energizers that can't be recharged!

Now a lot of news posts stay away from benefit statements and just report the facts - Nissan announces a new model, new battery technology, etc. and that's good, but we as EV advocates need to be concerned about popular opinion too. Popular opinion can influence funding and the legislature which can make or break a technology change like we're advocating. Right now popular opinion is on our side, but it seems to me that this position is fragile and we need to do more to defend it.

So, what's my point? It made me think that we as a group need to be more vocal. We need to quickly comment on these postings pointing out the facts and, more importantly, calling out the writer for their ignorance, laziness or their transparent negative agenda. Why do we need to quickly comment? Most blogs and news sites show comments in chronological order. Having your comment on page 3 is not going to influence anyone.

So get out there and post.
What's in the News? Hopefully you.

EV Miata on TV

The local ABC affiliate did a short piece on the electric cars being shown at the Marin County Fair. I'm a little leery of dealing with the media - they don't seem to bother getting all the facts straight and are more concerned about telling a story (any story it seems) than getting the truth out, but figure it was work a shot.
Putting my leeriness aside, I took some time off from work to drive up to the fair for my chance at an interview, and it ended up being well worth it. I had a chance to talk with some of the other car owners/entrepreneurs who were showing their cars (all great people) and the reporter, Wayne Freedman, turned out to be a great guy as well. He asked good questions and seemed to understand the answers, to my surprise. I had about 5 minutes to tell my story and when it was done he asked if later they could take a ride in the car(!) Why my car instead of the Porsche speedster or Shelby Daytona replica, I don't know, but I was happy to oblige.

I hung around as he did a few more interviews then was politely told that time wouldn't allow a ride. Oh well.

The piece aired that night, and I missed it, (of course), but thanks to the internet it can be seen forever (or at least until the take it off their site). Only a few seconds of my interview made it into the final segment - kind of funny - the one line I have is about kitchen appliances...

Anyway, it's a pretty positive overall.

Here's a link to the piece - don't blink or you'll miss me...

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/technology&id=6896777

Daily driver

Been a while since I posted anything on the blog, so thought I'd give a quick update.
I've been using the car to commute daily and it's been working great.
In the morning the SOC gauge shows over 100% after charging overnight. I'm estimating it takes about 6 hours to charge.
It's a 9 mile route (4.5 miles each way) that I take which has a 40 mph stretch, a few hills and a number of stop signs and traffic lights, so not "ideal" conditions, but real-world.
It will take about 300 amps to get moving on the flat and 400 - 500 if I'm going up hill. This is not a "jack rabbit" start, but not slow either, I try not to annoy other drivers ; )
It takes around 200 amps to cruise at moderate speed (20 -30mph).
When I arrive in the parking lot the SOC gauge shows 60% (which is 80% SOC since my gauge shows only the top 50%).
I don't plug in at work.
The SOC gauge shows 95% when I'm ready to drive home, since the batteries have had a chance to rest.
When I arrive home it shows 20-30% SOC (depending on how aggressively I drove it home) but if I let it sit for an hour or so, it will show as high as 60%.
Plug it in and it's ready for tomorrow.

Maker Faire

The Maker Faire turned out to be a great event - I'm definitely planning to go next year.

It was a little beyond my range and, as you know from following the blog, my controller was "in the shop" so I had planned to tow it down to the event. I rented a truck and tow dolly from U-Haul and just as I had talked my neighbor into helping push the car on to the dolly, the UPS man showed up with my controller!

45 minutes later, I was driving onto the dolly. My dad helped me load and unload the car and even bought lunch along the way. We were assigned a space in a hall with 1 and a half Teslas (one was missing the body and interior), Cal Cars doing a Prius conversion and a converted dune buggy.

The SFEVA arranged for volunteers to help talk up electric cars and conversions in general which was a tremendous help. I talked to a LOT of people, some where new to the concept, some were thinking about converting a car of their own and even a few who follow this blog!

All in all it was a great event that I'll try to make an annual thing.

Batteries under glass

I went to the plastic store this afternoon and picked up a 1/8" thick smoked plastic sheet. I cut the corner with the dremel to fit around the metal piece that would have covered the gas tank's filler neck, but now covers the wiring to the charge port. Then I used velcro tape to hold it down.

A little rug to cover the bald spot

Had a an hour or so on Sunday and decided to do the carpet in the trunk. I took the stock carpet, marked where the battery rack was with chalk and cut it. Then I used the part I cut out to fill in where the spare tire use to be.

Next I need too get a piece of clear plastic to cover the batteries so I can use the trunk...

First trip behind a tow truck ; (

(EV
Things had been going real well lately, so something was bound to go wrong...

I was on my way to work this morning - I had just shifted into 3rd at 55mph when the battery light went out and the check engine light turned on. This meant the controller had turned itself off with an error. Since I had no power, I coasted to a stop by the curb in a nearly legal parking place.

I tried to start it a couple of times without any luck. I then pulled out my laptop to see the error code from the Zilla, and it indicated the Zilla and the Hairball weren't communicating. I checked the data cable and it was in place and properly seated.

It took about an hour for the tow truck to come.

I contacted the vendor I got the Zilla from (EV Source) and they contacted Cafe Electric who after a few questions sent me an RMA number for the Zilla and Hairball.

Good news is it's not something I did, but the car will be out of commission for a bit.
; (