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Shenzhen Wins the C40 and Siemens City Climate Leadership Award

September 23, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV Campaigns, EV enthusiast, EV News

New York, NY – Kicking off UN Climate Week 2014, the city of Shenzhen, China, has been honored with the C40 and Siemens City Climate Leadership Award. Victorious largely due to the city’s world leading efforts to electrify their public transportation fleets, Shenzhen has beat out other finalists Milan and Johannesburg. The city has been resourceful in working with local green-tech giant, BYD Company Ltd. to design, build and implement electric taxis and electric transit buses that now offers Shenzhen the bragging rights of the largest pure-electric vehicle fleet in the world. The award was presented at the C40 Leadership Awards Ceremony in Manhattan just one day before Shenzhen Vice-Mayor Tang Jie and BYD Company Ltd. Chairman Wang Chuanfu address the 2014 United Nations Climate Summit.

“It’s the first step for Shenzhen to become a green city. We welcome all of you to come ride the green bus”, said Tang Jie, vice mayor of Shenzhen. “On behalf of C40, I want to congratulate Shenzhen for its leadership in climate action,” said C40 Chair, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes. “Though Shenzhen is one of the newest C40 cities, it has already taken aggressive measures and shown results in reducing its carbon emissions.”

Shenzhen’s project will be displayed in the world’s largest sustainable cities exhibition at the Crystal in London, where more than 100,000 annual visitors will learn about their green city solution. More than 25 cities including Los Angeles, New York, London, Amsterdam, and Barcelona compete for the C40’s Climate Leadership Awards.

“Though Shenzhen is undoubtedly our New Energy Vehicle leader, BYD is currently working with more than 100 global cities to implement zero emissions transit vehicles. We are excited to help Shenzhen continue growing their pure-electric fleets, and local economy.” said BYD Chairman, Wang Chuanfu.

C40 hopes other cities can be inspired by Shenzhen’s experience. “Low carbon mobility is the backbone of a sustainable city,” said C40 Executive Director Mark Watts. “Shenzhen’s New Energy Vehicle Promotion project has enabled the city to realise major emissions reductions through transportation solutions.” Both Vice Mayor Tang and Mr. Wang will attend and speak at the 2014 United Nations Climate Summit which beginning on September 23. They will share more about how the city of Shenzhen has addressed climate change and how to promote new energy vehicles.

About C40

C40 is a network of the world’s megacities taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a unique set of assets, the C40 works with participating cities to address climate risks and impacts locally and globally. C40 cities represent more than 500 million people around the world, accounting around 20% of GDP globally. C40 was created in 2005 by former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, and forged a partnership in 2006 with the Cities Program of President Clinton’s Climate Initiative (CCI) to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in large cities across the world. Mayor Bloomberg currently serves as President of the C40 Board of Directors. For more information, please visit www.c40.org.

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com.

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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42nd Annual Silicon Valley EV Rally & National Drive Electric Week

September 19, 2014 in Electric Vehicles, EV Campaigns, EV enthusiast, EV News

Held at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA (10 am to 4 pm)

Infographic courtesy of Electric Auto Association of Silicon Valley

Infographic courtesy of Electric Auto Association of Silicon Valley

Features Include

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORD attempt (7 am) at the Largest Number of Electric Vehicles In a Parade:
  1. Presented by SAP
  2. Sign Up

Experience Electric Ride & Drive #TheBetterRide, Presented by the Center for Sustainable Energy

Vehicles available for Test drives:
  1. Cadillac ELR
  2. Fiat 500e
  3. Toyota Rav4 EV
  4. Nissan Leaf
  5. Chevy Spark EV
  6. BMW i3

Green Team & Breath California, First 40-foot All-Electric School Bus

Stella solar car, Presented by Solar Team Eindhoven:
  1. First Energy Positive Vehicle in the World
  2. First Solar-Powered Family Car
  3. 420 mile Electric Range
More than 20 types of Plug-in Electric Cars, including:
  1. BMW i3
  2. Fiat 500e
  3. Mitsubishi i-MieV*
  4. Nissan Leaf & eNV200
  5. Tesla Roadster / Model S*
  6. Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV
Also:
  1. Talk to plug-in vehicle owners to get the real story about the benefits of plug-ins and solar energy from people who use this technology each day
  2. Learn how to “fuel” your car at home, at work and “on the go” with the latest EV charging equipment
  3. Raffle prizes including home charging stations

This article is a repost, credit: Electric Auto Association of Silicon Valley.

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Design to Begin on “The Red Line” – America’s First E-Bus Rapid Transit Route

September 17, 2014 in Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV Campaigns, EV News, Politics

INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Greg Ballard and other Central Indiana Mayors, transit and community leaders today (9-16-14) announced that planning and design will commence next year on “The Red Line” – the first full electric bus rapid transit in the nation. Last week Rep. André Carson (IN – 7) and the US Department of Transportation announced IndyGo received a $2 million TIGER grant for environmental and design work on the 28-mile route that would run from Hamilton County through Indianapolis to Greenwood in Johnson County.

“This federal grant is an enormous win for Central Indiana,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “After decades of study and debate we can now get to work on a regional rapid transit system that will better connect people to where they work, live, learn and play.”

The $2 million TIGER grant will be matched by $1 million in local contributions by the City of Indianapolis ($687,636), City of Carmel ($196,592), City of Westfield ($146,206), and the City of Greenwood ($64,366).

“The city of Carmel, its residents and especially its business community support public transportation on a number of levels. It’s good for the environment, it helps attract employers and it helps connect employees to their jobs,” said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. “It is important to note, too, that rapid transit lines run in both directions and will benefit both of our communities, as well as the economy of all of central Indiana.”

“As the City of Westfield continues to grow, important projects such as The Red Line will provide our residents with increased access to transportation, and allow our community to engage in regional economic development in ways we have not yet realized,” said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook. “We are excited to be partners in this transit initiative.”

“Connecting our people to where they work, learn and play is a competitive advantage to our region. Our younger generations want to create a greener environment, and are looking for the option of leaving their car at home. The Red Line will give the Greenwood Community just that opportunity and will further strengthen our connection to the Indianapolis market,” said Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers.

The Red Line System

Central Indiana is proposing to make The Red Line America’s First Electric Bus Rapid Transit route.  The project will explore the use of Electric technology based on systems already successfully being used in parts of Europe. The system would utilize existing traffic lanes as well as dedicated lanes built in high traffic areas. The line would feature approximately 40 stations. According to The Red Line operating plan, busses would run every 10 minutes during peak times and 15 minutes during off-peak Monday through Friday, and every 20 minutes during the day and 30 minutes in the evenings on weekends.

“Indianapolis is ready for rapid transit,” said Mike Terry, president and CEO of IndyGo. “The current IndyGo bus network would be transformed by a new fast, frequent service that runs most hours of the day.”

The Red Line Route

The 28-mile long Red Line will make its way from Hamilton County and Carmel to Indianapolis on City Center Drive and Pennsylvania Street.  At the Marion County line it will shift to College Avenue, running through Broad Ripple and past the Indiana State Fairgrounds. From 38th Street, the line will use either Meridian Street or a combination of Capitol Avenue and Illinois Street to downtown Indianapolis. The line will exit downtown along Virginia Avenue through Fountain Square, pick up Shelby Street past the UIndy campus, and then take Madison Avenue through Southern Marion County, to the Greenwood Park Mall and beyond.

“Moving forward on The Red Line is the right step for the region,” said Anna Gremling, executive director of the Indianapolis MPO. “This corridor houses 4 major universities, more than 160,000 jobs, and nearly 6% of the region’s residents—connecting these community assets with an investment like The Red Line just makes sense.”

The Timeline

Following approval of local funding matches by local officials, study and design work will begin early 2015. At the conclusion of this study and design work, the City and its transit partners will request federal funding to begin construction of The Red Line. If that funding is approved, construction could begin in 2016 with The Red Line opening 2-3 years later.

This article is a repost (9-16-14), credit: City of Indianapolis.

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City of White Plains Rolls Out 10 Additional EV Charging Stations in Partnership with NYPA and NYSERDA

September 17, 2014 in Electric Vehicles, EV Campaigns, EV charging, Politics

WHITE PLAINS, NY. Just in time for national Drive Electric Week (September 15-21), Mayor Tom Roach has announced the installation and activation of ten additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in public parking garages throughout White Plains. These new installations bring the total number of publicly accessible charging stations in White Plains to twenty, making the City a leader in offering this technology to the public.

In early 2012, White Plains was one of the first municipalities in Westchester County to install electric vehicle charging stations. Those ten stations are geared toward commuters and are located adjacent to the White Plains TransCenter Garage. The ten newly installed EV charging stations are located in the following public parking garages:

  1. Lexington-Grove East Garage (Galleria East) – 100 Main Street – 3 chargers 
  2. Hamilton-Main Garage – 365 Hamilton Avenue – 3 chargers 
  3. Longview-Cromwell Garage – 11 Longview Avenue – 2 chargers 
  4. Lyon Place Garage – 1 Lyon Place – 2 chargers

The new charging stations were supported and installed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). They support Charge NY, a statewide initiative launched by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to help bring about greater use of plug-in EVs.

The charging stations lay a foundation for additional investments in clean technologies by the private sector, and reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions. They are part of a series of 100 such installations that NYPA and NYSERDA are partnering on in the coming months that will be located at 37 public and workplace locations. Each is capable of supplying up to 6 kilowatts of power to an electric vehicle. Charge times will vary depending on the size and type of car, but for mid-sized cars (e.g., the Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-MAX Hybrid Energi or Nissan Leaf), charging is expected to take approximately four hours.

To utilize a charging station, customers should download the free ‘EV Connect’ app. This will activate the charging station and allow the customer to monitor the charging process remotely. Once the app has been activated, the customer pays $1.50/hour, which covers both parking and electricity, through the normal payment process at the garage pay stations.  The software also collects and transmits data on frequency of use, length of charges and amount of energy dispensed, to provide NYPA and NYSERDA input for use in locating future charging infrastructure.

Since Charge NY was launched, nearly 500 EV charging stations have been added in New York, bringing the current total number in the state to approximately 1,000. This puts the state well within reach of the Charge NY goal of 3,000 charging stations by 2018.  Nearly 10,000 EVs are operating in the state, compared to 2,500 EVs when Charge NY was launched in 2013.

“White Plains was pleased to partner with NYPA and NYSERDA to bring additional EV charging stations into the City,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. “White Plains has long been a business, shopping and entertainment hub. The installation of these stations in easily accessible locations throughout the city provides yet another reason to choose White Plains. Drivers of electric vehicles now know that they can come to White Plains for business, shopping, and entertainment and be assured they will be able to charge their vehicles at the same time.”

“The Power Authority is proud to help move clean transportation forward in New York with a consumer-oriented approach to vital EV infrastructure. A network of charging stations strategically located across the state will make it possible for electric vehicles to be driven longer distances and support adoption of this clean technology,” said Gil C. Quiniones, President and Chief Executive Officer, NYPA.

“NYSERDA and NYPA are working together to advance Governor Cuomo’s agenda to increase zero-emissions vehicles in New York State and build a state-wide electric vehicle infrastructure and a state-wide electric vehicle industry,” said John B. Rhodes, President and Chief Executive Officer, NYSERDA. “This partnership is one example of how the State is supporting programs to protect the environment, reduce the use of fossil fuels and expand the clean-energy economy in New York State.”

Background on NYPA’s work with EVs: Since 1995, NYPA has played a significant role in developing and expanding electric-drive vehicle use in the state.  The Authority’s efforts have led to the placement of more than 1,300 electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs in the fleets of public entities across the state as well as in its own fleet of vehicles.

Background on NYSERDA’s work with EVs: Since 2012, NYSERDA has been working through public-private partnerships toward the goal of installing 900 charging stations across New York at locations such as municipalities, city streets, supermarkets, hotels and parking garages. NYSERDA offers the New York Electric Truck Voucher Incentive Program, which helps offset the extra cost of investing in electric trucks for fleet use. In addition, NYSERDA supports research and demonstration projects to promote EV investment, and has led an 11-state group to develop EV-station best practices for local governments.

This article is a repost, credit: City of White Plains.

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Nissan celebrates with more than 60,000 U.S. LEAF owners during “National Drive Electric Week”

September 15, 2014 in Electric Vehicles, EV Campaigns, EV enthusiast, EV News, LEAF, Nissan

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – More than 60,000 U.S. consumers have “kicked gas” and are now driving the all-electric Nissan LEAF. To celebrate National Drive Electric Week, held Sept. 15-21, Nissan is the exclusive automotive sponsor for more than 130 grassroots events scheduled for markets across the U.S. and abroad.

National Drive Electric Week, formerly National Plug In Day, started in 2011 as a series of local events aimed at spreading the word about plug-in vehicles. The annual event, which is organized by Plug In America, Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association, attracted more than 35,000 participants at nearly 100 local gatherings in 2013.

“With more than 60,000 U.S. sales and 50 percent market share among pure EVs this year, Nissan is the natural sponsor of National Drive Electric Week,” said Toby Perry, Nissan’s director of Electric Vehicle Marketing. “At events across the country, drivers of Nissan LEAF and other electric cars will get together to spread the word about the benefits of driving electric – lower operating costs, zero tailpipe emissions and they are just fun to drive.”

Nissan LEAF sales are up 34 percent in 2014, and August was the best month on record with 3,186 vehicles sold. Nissan is finding more buyers in markets across the U.S. such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Salt Lake City and others due in large part to owner advocacy.

“LEAF owners have become our most effective marketers. Their enthusiasm for their LEAF and its benefits drives family, friends and co-workers to consider and purchase one for themselves,” said Perry. “This has a viral effect, where one LEAF sale in a neighborhood or office often triggers several additional sales.”

Among the local events is Huntington Beach, California, where Nissan will showcase the BladeGlider sports concept that features a radical front narrow track layout, where the front is significantly narrower than the rear, creating a swept-wing profile when seen from directly above the vehicle.

In Cupertino, California, Nissan will display the all-electric e-NV200 compact cargo vehicle, which is currently part of a one-year trial program in various cities across the U.S. The e-NV200 is already on sale in European markets.

Infographic courtesy of Nissan

Infographic courtesy of Nissan

About Nissan LEAF
With about 135,000 global sales since launch, Nissan LEAF is the world’s top-selling electric vehicle. LEAF seats up to five passengers and boasts an estimated driving range on a fully-charged battery of 84 miles and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.  The effective price of a Nissan LEAF starts at about $23,000 after the available $7,500 federal tax credit, while providing the benefits of lower running costs and less scheduled maintenance. 

LEAF is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery and an 80kW motor that provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience.

The all-electric Nissan LEAF is offered in three trim levels, and shoppers can choose from a variety of available premium features such as leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-speaker BOSE® energy efficient audio system and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times.

About National Drive Electric Week
National Drive Electric Week, founded by Plug In America, is a free coast-to-coast celebration designed to showcase the fun, convenience, clean-air benefits and cost-savings of plug-in vehicles through ride and drives and related activities. Formerly called National Plug In Day, the event launched in 2011 in 29 cities. The fourth annual observance, which has more than quadrupled in size, will take place in over 130 cities in 35 states and abroad, just as plug-in vehicle sales have reached their first quarter-million mark in the U.S. National Drive Electric Week’s national organizers are Plug In America, the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association, who team up with local groups from Hawaii to Vermont. For city-by-city details, visit driveelectricweek.org.

This article is a repost, credit: Nissan.

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