(December 7, 2007) - Over 115 companies from the EV Industry converged on the Anaheim Convention Center for the world's largest electric drive conference where we got to test-drive numerous electric vehicles, including Toyota's concept PHEV on display for the first time in North America, as well as a quick 'razz' around the perimeters on Bill Dube's A123Systems lithium-ion powered KillaCycle. Whoo-boy, we barely lived to file this report, but here it is, ready or not.
We joined the public at the Anaheim Convention Center to test drive the fleet of battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles that were onsite. This was a rare opportunity to not only “kick the tires” of vehicles that are available today, but to drive the prototype vehicles of tomorrow. Representatives from each manufacturer were on hand to answer our questions. Also, we toured the exposition floor and met the industry-leading companies behind the technology and vehicles that power sustainable transportation.
Just as we were about to leave EVS-23 for the day, we were drawn to GM's booth where we met Bill Nye the Science Guy sitting behind the wheel of the concept electric VOLT. GM's Environmental Policy Director, Alan Weverstad provided some facts and figures about the car for Mr. Nye, as Chris Paine (Director of Who Killed The Electric Car?, and now working on the sequel), filmed away. The question on most peoples minds is how long before the VOLT goes into production, if at all? Now, Say Hi to Bill Nye the 'Hybrid guy'
To build a mass market, car manufacturers recognise they will have to develop electric vehicles that ask drivers to sacrifice little or nothing in comfort or convenience. GM, while grappling with designing the Volt around its T-shaped battery pack, speaks of the need to address “range anxiety”, drivers’ worries of being stuck with nowhere to recharge. The car’s range extender is meant to address this. An industry charged up: Electric vehicles are poised to go mainstream (Financial Times article 5.26.08).
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More Volt pix by Village Energy
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