OR, WA Seek To Juice Electric Car Sales With More Incentives
KPLU, December 22, 2014
A coalition in Oregon and the Democratic governor of Washington want to juice sales of electric cars by providing more state incentives. But some critics say more taxpayer giveaways for those drivers are unnecessary. One of the new subsidies that Washington Gov. Jay Inslee proposed earlier this week is a bill credit on the electronic toll accounts of electric car drivers to cover a yet-to-be-determined number of free ferry trips or toll bridge crossings.
The World's Biggest Car Company Wants To Get Rid Of Gasoline
Bloomberg, December 17, 2014
The first thing you notice about the Mirai, Toyota's new $62,000, four-door family sedan, is that it's no Camry, an international symbol of bland conformity. First there are the in-your-face, angular grilles on the car's front end. These deliver air to (and cool) a polymer fuel-cell stack under the hood. Then there's the wavy, layered sides, meant to evoke a droplet of water. It looks like it was driven off the set of the Blade Runner sequel.
California Extends Support For Plug-In Cars
UT San Diego, December 18, 2014
California took new action Thursday to speed up the spread of plug-in electric vehicles, adding financial perks for car owners and inviting regulated utilities to invest in car charging infrastructure. In San Diego, the new electric-car incentive is likely to take the form of an annual credit against utility bills for customers who identify themselves as plug-in vehicle owners.
How We Could Put An EV Charging Station On Every Lamp Post
Fast Company, December 15, 2014
At the moment, people charge electric vehicles one of three ways: at home, at a public charging station, or on a company network like Tesla's cross-country Supercharger system. In Europe, there'll soon be another way: mobile charging. This is when drivers carry their own charging kits, enabling them to use public outlets instead of the sophisticated charging posts you normally see.
Obama Signs Tax Act Reinstating Biodiesel Credit Through 2014
Biodiesel Magazine, December 22, 2014
President Obama signed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 into law Dec. 19, which reinstates the $1 per gallon biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credits from Jan. 1, 2014, through the end of the year.
Honda's Hydrogen Fuel Car To Make U.S. Debut
Los Angeles Times, December 17, 2014
Joining an increasingly crowded field of automakers producing zero-emissions alternative fuel vehicles, Honda's FCV hydrogen-powered concept car is to make its U.S. debut at the January North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The company says it has a range of more than 300 miles.
Air Force Tests First All-Electric Vehicle Fleet In California
U.S. Air Force, November 14, 2014
Air Force officials unveiled the Department of Defense's first non-tactical vehicle fleet composed entirely of plug-in electric vehicles. The rollout of the 42-vehicle fleet marks a milestone in the DOD's demonstration of emerging technology and the vehicles will serve as a resource to the electrical grid when they're not being driven.
How To Boost Efficiency: Lighter Cars That Carry More People
Green Car Report, December 22, 2014
Efficiency is a many-splendored thing, and cutting vehicle weight has multiple beneficial effects. A lighter car requires less energy to move, meaning engine output can be lower. A recent article argues that vehicles still weigh far too much - and it analyzes vehicle-to-passenger weight ratios over history to make the case.
DOE Releases Report Evaluating EV Charging Impacts On Grid
