Deutsche Bahn…German for green powered train

Germany continues to move ahead in the race for renewable energy and now the government is raising aspirations on to its country’s rails. Deutsche Bahn, the German national railroad wants to increase the percentage of hydro, solar and wind energy used to power its trains from today’s 20% to 24% by 2014 with the goal of becoming carbon free by 2050.

Environmental groups have been traditionally strong in Germany and now it appears that the sentiment is becoming more widespread especially following the recent accident at the Fukushima nuclear complex in Japan.  This tragic event served as a tipping point for Germans who stepped up pressure on their government to close all of the nuclear power plants at home by 2022 and to greatly accelerate renewable energy production.  The country, that already boasts nearly 20% of it’s electricity production by renewables, is on track to increase that amount to 35% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

Accounting for 2% of Germany’s overall total electricity consumption, Deutsche Bahn’s target of 100% renewable electricity  is a symbolic and powerful move towards a more sustainable transport system and green economy.

Questions remain on how Deutsche Bahn plan to meet these renewable targets. The group already operates two large wind parks in Brandenburg and recently signed a deal with the utility RWE to acquire electricity from 14 hydroelectric plants.  In addition, the railroad is exploring harvesting electricity from solar panels on the roofs of it’s 5,700 stations.  As impressive as these power sources might appear it will take a significant investment in production for Germany and Deutsche Bahn to reach their lofty goals.  The amount of investment is not yet clear, but if consumer expectations and political will remain, Germany could soon serve as not only a leader in renewable energy but also sustainable mobility.

GE to introduce drivers to Alternative Vehicles

For all of those living in or near Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and interested in testing an electric vehicle (EV), General Electric (GE) will be opening the GE Customer Experience and Learning Center for Electric Vehicles in the Spring of 2012.

This Center will allow those curious about electric and alternative vehicles to learn about these technologies in classrooms, at a solar carport, charging center and behind the wheel of an EV along a private half-mile driving course.

Since GE’s portfolio touches nearly every part of the EV infrastructure, this hands-on experience allows GE to demonstrate to consumers many of the company’s end-to-end EV deployment solutions.

Centers like the one GE is planning to open serve as a demonstration tool for the company as well as an opportunity for drivers to learn about and have the chance to become accustomed with alternative vehicles that will be more and more prevalent on our roads in years to come.

The road to EVs starts with fleets

While most automakers compete to gain consumer market share in the sputtering electric car market the real viability test is happening amongst electric fleet vehicles.

In a 2009 report published by GE there was an estimated 16.3 million fleet vehicles on the roads in the US.  Many characteristics of fleet vehicle operations make going electric appear very attractive.  Fleet vehicles drive predictable routes thus virtually eliminating “range anxiety” experienced by consumer electric vehicle (EV) users. Commercial fleet vehicles are looking to get 100 mile range before having to recharge.  Since they drive more miles than consumer EVs, electric fleet owners can expect to more quickly recoup the upfront costs in charging infrastructure therefore resulting in real overall cost-cutting.

Case in point, Fed Ex recently placed an order with a company named Navistar, for 400 electric vehicle trucks by the end of the year 2010.  In addition, pharmacy giant, Duane Reade, has signed with Smith Electric to add electric trucks to their delivery fleet.  The reason behind such a move for Duane Reade is to reduce pollution as well as fuel, maintenance and overall costs.  In an article appearing in the Wall Street Journal, entitled “Duane Reade Stores Roll Out Electric Delivery Trucks,” it is mentioned that the operating costs of an electric truck are one-third that of a traditional diesel model.

I feel the electric fleet story is a positive one in the narrative of the EV in America. The business sector is finding the most effective and efficient way to test the viability of  EV technology.  Having a controlled volume of fleet vehicles with a precise number of needed charging infrastructure networks helps the market better understand how to improve the technology and its usage so widespread consumer acceptance can more effectively be achieved.

Bikes in the Big Apple

If New York City is looking and feeling more bicycle friendly these past few years, that’s because Mayor Bloomberg has been on a mission to decrease motorized traffic and increase cycling and walking on the streets of the Big Apple.

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) claims on their website that commuter cycling in NYC has increased by 25% between 2008-2009 and has more than doubled since 2005.  Moreover, according to the NYC Department of Health (DOH), more than half a million New Yorkers ride bicycles.

Signature green bike lanes are popping up all over the city not to mention increased bike parking, rental options and a campaign to promote bike safety during which over 25,000 free helmets were distributed.

The year 2011 has seen 50 miles of new bike lanes opened in NYC and the Department of City Planning and DOT released an informative 2011 NYC Cycling Map (click for PDF).  The map shows existing bicycle routes, bike shops and facilities throughout the city .  This tool was the product of extensive fieldwork, involving traffic conditions, connectivity, accessibility and safety of the city’s cycling networks.

Will there be enough lithium for Electric Vehicle battery demand?

A recent report published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, produced by Ford Motor Co. and The University of Michigan, demonstrates that deposits of  lithium in the United States and around the world are sufficient to meet the projected demand for this key metal which is used in electric vehicle batteries for at least the next 100 years and beyond.

To read the full report click here: “Global Lithium Availability, A Constraint for Electric Vehicles”

U.S. Government Adds Hybrids and E.V.’s to Car Fleet

In an effort to raise public awareness about President Obama’s goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the roads in America by 2015, the U.S. government purchased 101 Chevy Volt plug-in hybrids and 15 battery-powered electric vehicles.  Leading by example is a significant move by the administration to underscore its push to have the United States be a leader in the future of ground transportation…

Please follow this link to read the NYTimes article on the subject: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/25/u-s-government-adds-hybrids-and-e-v-s-to-car-fleet/

Preparing Plug-in Drivers in a Plugged-in World….

Major auto manufacturers from around the world are hustling to build and roll out lines of electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHVs) for commercial sale.  Competition for market share will be hot and sellers are winding up their advertising machines in an attempt to target early adopters.

In 2010-2011, drivers are expecting the first wave of EVs and PHVs, like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt to hit dealerships.  In response, and at times in tandem with manufacturers, both national and local governments are moving forward to implement policies to attract investment in needed charging infrastructure and consumer incentives for the purchase of  EVs and PHVs.

According to the report “Electrification Roadmap” released by the Electrification Coalition with technical input from PRTM Management Consulting:  “By 2040, 75 percent of light-duty vehicle miles traveled in the United States should be electric miles.”  Furthermore, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has predicted in their study “The Comeback of the Electric Car,” that in 2020, EVs will represent 2.7 percent of the total overall auto market and hybrid electric vehicles an impressive 20 percent.

While the race is on to install charging capabilities and build cars, manufacturers must also be investing in ways to market their new line of vehicles.  Renault, one of the most active car companies in the industry, is now targeting drivers through the world’s most popular online virtual game, “The Sims.”

Gamers in “The Sims 3″ will be able to own a virtual Renault Twizy as part of an Electric Vehicle Pack including the EV, solar panels and a wind turbine for generating renewable electricity for the car.

The ability to reach consumers through non-traditional media outlets like gaming platforms and the Internet has increased the ability of automakers to target their markets.  “Electric vehicles are additionally going to appeal to younger, more socially conscious prospects and especially early adopters,” said Stephen Norman, Senior VP of Global Marketing for Renault.

Large investments are being made in preparation for increased numbers of EVs and PHVs on our roads, signaling a transformation in personal vehicle transportation.  This new chapter in mobility will bring about changes not only in vehicle technology but also consumer behavior.  Renault’s plan to educate and sensitize future EV drivers in a virtual world is an innovative way to prepare them for owning and operating EVs in this one.

Private-investment opportunities for public transport (McKinsey&Company)

“Public-private partnerships represent a significant opportunity for private investors- but pose worrisome risks as well.”  (Read article)