Previous posts (here and here) discussed the patent litigation involving A123 Systems Inc. (A123), a Boston area lithium-ion battery maker, Canadian utility Hydro-Quebec (H-Q), the exclusive licensee of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,910,382, 6,514,640, 7,955,733, 7,960,058 and 7,964,308 (collectively “Cathode
John Petersen is one of the most thoughtful critics of the electric vehicles industry. In a phone conversation I had with him a few weeks ago, he laid out a few reasons why he thinks the whole idea needs to be scrapped. Here, in his column on AltEnergyStocks.com, he further defends his
There are some highly respected thinkers who completely and vocally reject the idea of electric vehicles. I spoke recently with John Petersen of SeekingAlpha.com fame, whose recent article: “It’s Time To Kill The Electric Car, Drive A Stake Through Its Heart And Burn The Corpse” has stirred a great
LED lights, or light emitting diodes, are increasingly more common in newly manufactured devices. A beneficial addition to solid-state lighting, LEDs provide long-life lighting technology in applications such as safety street lighting, vehicles, medical devices and
The slow but steady rise in popularity of the Toyota Prius has created a positive association for automakers with the word “hybrid” and prompted many competitors to launch competing vehicles. Derivatives of the full hybrid, which can propel the vehicle for short distances on electric vehicles alone, that offer a percentage of the reductions in fuel consumption and
U.S. researchers say they have developed a technology that could dramatically reduce the time it takes to recharge lithium-ion batteries used in cellphones, laptop computers, and electric vehicles (EVs).
Unlike conventional lithium-ion rechargeable batteries — in which active material is placed on a thin film that has limited storage
Electric vehicles have quickly caught on in the last several years to the point where the industry is now awash with a wide variety of electric models, conversions, and plans for future adoption of the green technology. While some electric vehicles remain a bit out of reach for the ordinary consumer, many companies are taking steps to make electric vehicles affordable and easy to find.
Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp, promoted his “Prius Family” with the unveiling of the Prius v and Prius c at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10, 2011.
The Prius hybrid came to America in 2000 as “a misunderstood concept struggl[ing] for acceptance”. Now, with nearly 1 million
Chinese company BYD will bring its electric and plug-in vehicles to North America in 2011 as one part of a threefold strategy for exporting technology. BYD’s first plug-in car, the F3DM, has arrived in California where it will be used in a pilot project by the Los Angeles Housing Authority. The F3DM has 40-60 miles of electric range and 300 miles of gasoline range, and in a unique
South Korea is a country with a lot on her mind as of late. The recent debacle with North Korea continues to have ramifications within the country’s political and military arenas and all the while they are still working towards developing a strong renewable energy policy. Currently, South Korea has a series of plans that would provide their nation with a wide variety
Of all the renewable energy sources that car manufacturers have been trying to harness to make the latest electric vehicles, the one most people would never think of is probably wind power. The idea of using wind to power a car seems like it would be impossible or at the very least
Between the recent 2010 Australian International Motor Show and the upcoming 2010 LA Auto Show, electric vehicle enthusiasts are a-flutter with the electric concept cars offered up by two major manufacturers.
Nissan, which only recently made headlines by revealing the LEAF, the most affordable
As electric cars continue to become a prominent method of alternative transportation, companies are continuing to find new ways to make their vehicles more efficient and longer lasting. Recently, Ford has joined the ranks of other electric car manufacturers who are trying to tackle the issue of a loss of charging power in batteries when the temperature outside the
Ford’s goal of electrifying its fleet appears to be running on all cylinders. The company is creating battery electric versions of both of its award winners –2009 Car (Focus) and Truck (Transit Connect Van).
Because energy storage will make or break the arrival of electric vehicles, Ford has joined GM in bringing the battery pack assembly and management under its tent.
Ford is investing nearly $1 billion in manufacturing facilities in Michigan that will include hybrid, battery-electric and plug-in vehicles as well as the lithium ion battery packs. Ford manager of global electrified fleets Greg Frenette explained that “there’s a strong tie-in marrying battery control…. to the rest of propulsion, and we’re in the best position to manage that.”