EcoDrive Global Blog

Real Estate Developers looking to buy fleets of Electric Cars & give to new Homeowners

ecodriveglobal — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Real Estate Developers looking to buy fleets of Electric Cars & give to new Homeowners

Developers across the United States and the Caribbean are finding a way to boost property sales by “going green”. Some developers are offering free electric cars to new homeowners – Low Speed Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. In addition to reducing harmful emissions to the environment, the more compact LSV’s are fun to drive and greatly reduce congestion and parking problems in small communities.

The time has come to make all our communities greener, cleaner and safer!

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	VANISH E-UTV

Web Link: Developers looking to buy fleets of Electric Cars & give to new Homeowners
Local Electric Vehicles Blog: Developers looking to buy fleets of Electric Cars and give to New Homeowners

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EcoDrive Global is driven to be Green – Caribbean Electric Car Dealerships.
We stand poised to bring the world the most exciting electric vehicle to date. As a global provider of a new class of Low Speed Vehicles, we bring an environmentally friendly plug-in device to your drive. Our pledge to you is to be on the leading edge of high quality electric vehicle production, freeing you and the planet from dependence on petroleum fuels and their providers. EcoDrive Global promises to provide a new form of transportation, one that is safe, fun to drive, easy to maintain and easy on the planet we share. We’re EcoDrive Global, enjoy the ride.

The New Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Overview

ecodriveglobal — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:28:24 +0000

The New Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

an overview by The Tomberlin Sales Management Team

PDF of Article

As many of you are aware, the Internal Revenue Service recently announced tax credits that could benefit taxpayers who purchase Tomberlin Low Speed Vehicles. Although the IRS has not finalized the guidelines and certification procedures necessary to file for these tax credits, they state in their announcement that taxpayers may qualify for one of two available tax credits, summarized as follows:

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) Tax Credit. This tax credit is available for four-wheeled vehicles that draw propulsion using a rechargeable battery with at least four kilowatt hours of capacity, purchased during 2009. The actual credit is determined by the capacity of the battery. The minimum credit is $2,500 and the maximum credit is $7,500, depending on the weight of the vehicle and the capacity of the battery.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Tax Credit. This tax credit is designed for Low Speed Vehicles (LSV’s) or 2-3 wheel electric vehicles such as motor scooters. The available tax credit is equal to 10% of the cost of the vehicle, purchased after February 17, 2009 and before January 1, 2012. The maximum credit for an LSV is $2,500.

The following Frequently Asked Questions should assist you in your understanding of how each of the tax credits may apply to purchases of Tomberlin Low Speed Vehicles. The answers are based on direct feedback from legal counsel, as well as our current understanding of the public information, and therefore this information is open to change once the final IRS certification procedures and guidelines are published.

Does the Tomberlin E-Merge and/or Anvil LSV Meet NHTSA Guidelines? . . . . . . Yes!

All Low Speed Vehicle models (also referred to as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV’s) manufactured and sold by Tomberlin are manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways, and they meet the NHTSA requirements as defined by Title 49 CFR, Chapter V, Part 571.500, Standard No. 500; Low-speed vehicles.

Does Tomberlin Need To Be On a “Certified” List Published by the IRS?

Currently there is no list or procedure to certify that any of our vehicles qualify for the credit. Until the IRS publishes this certification procedure, the consumer will need to ensure their purchase meets the currently published tax-credit guidelines. After the IRS’s guideline’s are published, Tomberlin will certify with the IRS which cars are compliant, and the consumer can just look for and rely on the IRS’s list without further inquiry.

Can A Taxpayer Claim Both Tax Credits? . . . . . No!

According to the IRS release, the taxpayer may qualify for both tax credits, if purchased after February 19, 2009. However, a taxpayer may not claim both credits for the same vehicle.

Does the Vehicle Have to Be a 2009 Model Year Vehicle? . . . . No?

Any model year Tomberlin LSV qualifies, as long as it was purchased new, during the qualifying time period.

How Much is the Credit for A Tomberlin E-Merge?

Although the exact tax credit schedule has not been released by the IRS, based on our 48 volt battery capacity of 8.16kwh to 8.78kwh, we anticipate the total tax credit for an E-Merge will be approximately $4,000 to $4,500.

Do Traditional Golf Carts Qualify? . . . . . No!

According to the IRS brief, vehicles manufactured primarily for off-road use, such as for use on a golf course, do not qualify for either credit.

Does the Consumer Get a Form to Fill Out When They Buy the Vehicle? . . . . . No!

Upon issuing the final guidelines, the IRS may issue a form or attachment which to be completed and attached to such consumer’s itemized tax return. If the IRS chooses not to create a new form, the current IRS Form 8910 – Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit Form will be the appropriate form to submit with the itemized return.

Can A Consumer Claim the Credit on More Than One Vehicle? . . . . . Yes?

According to the statute, these credits are vehicle specific. As long as the consumer possesses the requisite tax to absorb the total amount of the credits, each vehicle should qualify for its own credit.

Any Disclaimers? . . . . Absolutely!

In this and any tax matter, taxpayers should consult their tax advisor to determine qualification for any tax credit and to clarify the benefit that may be available given their individual circumstances.

We have included below a copy of the actual press release form the IRS.

Tax Breaks Available for Taxpayers Who Purchase Qualified Plug-In Electric Vehicles

IR-2009-45, April 24, 2009

WASHINGTON – Plug-in electric vehicles using certain types of batteries may qualify for a new tax credit if purchased this year, the Internal Revenue Service said today.

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) created two new tax credits for various types of electric vehicles, which may include what are commonly referred to as neighborhood electric vehicles. ARRA creates a tax credit for low-speed or two- or three-wheel electric vehicles, such as motor scooters, purchased after Feb. 17, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2012. The amount of the credit is 10 percent of the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum credit of $2,500. To qualify, a vehicle must be either a low-speed vehicle that is propelled to a significant extent by a rechargeable battery with a capacity of at least 4 kilowatt hours or be a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that is propelled to a significant extent by a rechargeable battery with a capacity of at least 2.5 kilowatt hours.

EESA created a tax credit for vehicles that have at least four wheels and draw propulsion using a rechargeable traction battery with at least four kilowatt hours of capacity. For 2009, the minimum credit is $2,500 and the credit tops out at $7,500 to $15,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle and the capacity of the battery.

During 2009, low-speed, four-wheeled vehicles manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways (neighborhood electric vehicles) may qualify both for the EESA credit and, if purchased after February 17, 2009, for the ARRA credit for low-speed electric vehicles. A taxpayer may not claim both credits for the same vehicle. Vehicles manufactured primarily for off-road use, such as for use on a golf course, do not qualify for either credit.

The Internal Revenue Service is working on guidance regarding certification procedures for both of these credits.

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	E-Merge Medical Vehicle

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Web Link: The New Electric Vehicle Tax Credits – an overview by Tomberlin
PDF Version: The-New-Electric-Vehicle-Tax-Credits.pdf

Interview of Michael Tomberlin on Anvil Electric Vehicle Fox Business News June 30th 2009

ecodriveglobal — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:03:53 +0000

Tomberlin Interview on Fox Business News

Anvil Specifications• Length: 103”
• Width: 72”
• Height: 68”
• Voltage: 72 volt, six 12-Volt lead/acid Batteries
• Max. Power: 28.8 Kilowatts
• Max. Range: 40+ Miles
• Max. Speed: 25mphAnvil Key Features

• 4 wheel braking
• Standard 4 Passenger seating
• Folding, forward facing rear seat
• 3-point seat belts for two persons front,
• 2-point lap belts rear
• Center closed cargo area
• Head lamps, tail lamps, turn signals, highmount center lamp
• On board, overnight 110volt battery
charger
• Aluminium wheels
• Downhill regenerative braking
• Street legal on roads with a speed limit up
to 35mph in most states.

The Eco-friendly Tomberlin ANVIL Electric Car

Anvil Pathway Gunmetal by Tomberlin
EcoDrive Global, LLC.

Anvil University Orange Singe by Tomberlin
EcoDrive Global, LLC.

Tomberlin ANVIL – Believe It!

Military ANVIL by Tomberlin – Street Legal Electric Car

Web Link: Interview of Michael Tomberlin on Anvil Electric Car – Fox Business News June 30, 2009
Local Blog: Interview of Michael Tomberlin on Anvil Electric Vehicle – Fox Business News June 30, 2009

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The $16K ANVIL Electric Car is here Now!!!

Tomberlin Group CEO Mike Tomberlin on how the automaker is able to sell its electric car, the Anvil, at a fraction of the cost of others. Interview on Fox Business News June 30th 2009.

ANVIL AVL – Electric Vehicle

The ANVIL Electric Vehicle showcased on The CBS Early Show June 29th 2009

ecodriveglobal — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:54:36 +0000

The Tomberlin ANVIL showcased on The CBS Early Show

Electric Cars Hit The Streets

The Early Show gets the exclusive world premiere of the Anvil, an electric car that is legal for the street. Mike Tomberline talks with Dave Price about how the car is manufactured.

ANVIL AVL – Electric Vehicle

The Eco-friendly Tomberlin ANVIL

Anvil Specifications

• Length: 103”
• Width: 72”
• Height: 68”
• Voltage: 72 volt, six 12-Volt lead/acid Batteries
• Max. Power: 28.8 Kilowatts
• Max. Range: 40+ Miles
• Max. Speed: 25mph

Anvil Key Features

Anvil Pathway Gunmetal by Tomberlin – EcoDrive Global, LLC.

Anvil University Orange Singe by Tomberlin – EcoDrive Global, LLC.

Tomberlin ANVIL – Believe It!

Military ANVIL by Tomberlin – Street Legal Electric Car

Web Link: The Tomberlin ANVIL showcased on The CBS Early Show June 29th 2009
Local Blog: The ANVIL Electric Vehicle showcased on The CBS Early Show June 29th 2009

EcoDrive Global foresees opening of Electric Car Dealership in Puerto Rico

ecodriveglobal — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:36:23 +0000

EcoDrive Global foresees opening of Electric Car Dealership in Puerto Rico

Representatives from EcoDrive Global recently visited Puerto Rico and foresee the opening of an Electric Car Dealership very soon!

We are currently in the Dominican Republic touring the island for the location of our next Caribbean dealership. Details coming soon!

We are moving full speed ahead with our mission to rid the Caribbean Islands of gas-guzzling vehicles and introduce a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

About EcoDrive Global

EcoDrive Global is the Master Distributor of Tomberlin Electric Vehicles for Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean, including Bermuda.

EcoDrive Global is driven to be Green.

We stand poised to bring the world the most exciting electric vehicle to date.

As a global provider of a new class of Low Speed Vehicles, we bring an environmentally friendly plug-in device to your drive.

Our pledge to you is to be on the leading edge of high quality electric vehicle production, freeing you and the planet from dependence on petroleum fuels and their providers.

EcoDrive Global promises to provide a new form of transportation, one that is safe, fun to drive, easy to maintain and easy on the planet we share.

We’re EcoDrive Global, enjoy the ride.

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	E-Merge Medical Vehicle

Web Link: EcoDrive Global foresees the opening of a Dealership in Puerto Rico
Local Blog: EcoDrive Global foresees the opening of Dealership in Puerto Rico

other articles previously posted:
06.25.2009 – Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada, Oklahoma
06.01.2009 – The ANVIL Arrives – The CBS Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle
05.14.2009 – Blog Page: Electric Cars Anyone? – The Math of Saving the Planet
05.08.2009 – Tomberlin ANVIL AVL in Action on YouTube
05.04.2009 – Blog Page: Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon in Caribbean
04.27.2009 – Going Green with Cayman’s first electric car!
04.20.2009 – Hawaii plans switch to Electric Cars
04.15.2009 – Sullivan’s Island Police Department goes green and safe with LSV
04.13.2009 – London mayor – 100,000 electric cars for capital
04.09.2009 – Specs for the E-Merge Municipal Fleet Vehicle
04.06.2009 – Sullivan’s Island Police Go Green With New Squad Vehicle Donated for Island Enforcement
03.27.2009 – Tomberlin Launches the Anvil – The First Wide-Track, Street-Legal LSV Vehicle
03.26.2009 – Federal Incentives – Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit
03.25.2009 – DOE Offers $2.4 Billion to Support Next-Generation Electric Vehicles
03.19.2009 – President Obama Announces $2.4 Billion for Electric Vehicles

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Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada, Oklahoma

ecodriveglobal — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:01:22 +0000

Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada, Oklahoma

This article by Randy Mitchell, a Staff Writer for the Ada Evening News in Ada Oklahoma explores the Tax Credit implications of Electric Cars…

Free electric cars?By Randy Mitchell, Staff Writer

ADA — Residents who buy electric cars may be able to get their money refunded to them in the form of tax credits.

According to Roger Gaddis, who co-owns Ada Electric Cars along with wife Leigh and friends Jerry and Linda Rising, some may be able to get the entire purchase price returned to them.

“If you are a state and federal taxpayer, the purchase of some models could become absolutely free, after both credits apply,” Gaddis said. “Everyone who pays taxes should own one!”

The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) was previously offering a 50 percent tax credit for qualifying vehicles to those who pay state tax.

“Now that’s not a deduction,” Gaddis said. “That’s a tax credit, which means you get back dollar for dollar for taxpayers. They can get back half of their money as a tax credit.”

In response to an inquiry by Gaddis in 2008, the OTC informed him the vehicles he sells qualify for the 50 percent credit because they are street legal and are primarily designed for use on streets and highways and are not golf carts or go carts.

“Because of the TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) and the Stimulus Bills that have passed this year, we just got the final interpretation from the engineers and the tax attorneys from the manufacturer we work with, the federal government has in play now, a tax credit that ranges anywhere from $4,100 per unit up to $5,300 per unit.”

Gaddis said one of their favorite vehicles sells for $8,000.

“The state credit is 50 percent — that’s 4,000 bucks,” Gaddis said. “The federal credit on that particular car is $4,400, which makes the car free. Is that about the coolest thing you’ve ever heard?”

Gaddis cautions there may be some who will not qualify such as those who don’t pay taxes and alternative minimum taxpayers (AMT).

“If a person is an alternative minimum taxpayer, if you basically have so many deductions and credits that you’re paying less tax than you deserve to anyway then the credits get watered down a little bit,” Gaddis said.

Like gasoline vehicles, the electric cars can be tagged and insured. They are street legal wherever the speed limit is 35 miles -per-hour or less.

“The vehicles can travel up to 30 miles per charge, and use no gasoline,” Gaddis said.

The vehicles run on batteries and have an on-board charger which plugs into any 110 volt outlet. Gaddis was very surprised to find these credits.

“We fell into this sliver where the federal government is wanting to support the idea of energy efficiency, things going green, less dependency on oil and fuels and they’re trying to subsidize helping people to convert over to wind energy, solar energy and in this case , electric vehicles,” Gaddis said. “Our vehicles are up the scale far enough that they qualify for the credits, but they’re down the scale far enough that they’re inexpensive enough where the credits will actually fully cover.

Ada Electric Cars recently moved from north Broadway to 901 Arlington. More information about the electric cars is available at www.adaelectriccars.com.

Article Source online: http://www.adaeveningnews.com/local/local_story_176122627.html

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	E-Merge Medical Vehicle

Web Link: Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada, Oklahoma
Local Blog: Free Electric Cars, an Article from Ada Oklahoma
WordPress Blog: Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada Oklahoma

other articles previously posted:
06.25.2009 – Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada, Oklahoma
06.01.2009 - The ANVIL Arrives – The CBS Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle
05.14.2009 – Blog Page: Electric Cars Anyone? – The Math of Saving the Planet
05.08.2009 – Tomberlin ANVIL AVL in Action on YouTube
05.04.2009 - Blog Page: Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon in Caribbean
04.27.2009 – Going Green with Cayman’s first electric car!
04.20.2009 – Hawaii plans switch to Electric Cars
04.15.2009 – Sullivan’s Island Police Department goes green and safe with LSV
04.13.2009 – London mayor – 100,000 electric cars for capital
04.09.2009 – Specs for the E-Merge Municipal Fleet Vehicle
04.06.2009 – Sullivan’s Island Police Go Green With New Squad Vehicle Donated for Island Enforcement
03.27.2009 – Tomberlin Launches the Anvil – The First Wide-Track, Street-Legal LSV Vehicle
03.26.2009 – Federal Incentives – Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit
03.25.2009 – DOE Offers $2.4 Billion to Support Next-Generation Electric Vehicles
03.19.2009 – President Obama Announces $2.4 Billion for Electric Vehicles

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The Tomberlin ANVIL Arrives – The CBS Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle

ecodriveglobal — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:33:22 +0000

The ANVIL Arrives
The CBS Early Show to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle

(ANVIL will also be announced on Fox News Network June 30th and CNN July 3rd.)

Tomberlin Releases the ANVIL an All Electric Vehicle That Will Change the Way America Commutes

Augusta, Ga.-May 12, 2009- The ANVIL American’s newest electric vehicle will be featured in a World Premier on the CBS Early Show June 29 at 8 a.m. The all electric vehicle is manufactured by the Tomberlin Group of Augusta, Georgia. The Eco-friendly ANVIL is designed from the ground up as a Street Legal Low Speed Vehicle. The vehicle aims to provide Americans with a non-polluting, zero emission alternative to short commutes.

“We think America really wants an electric vehicle,” says Mike Tomberlin, CEO of the Tomberlin Group, “ What we’re offering in the ANVIL is an LSV that is exciting, fun and safe.”

The LSV is a Low Speed Vehicle a legal class of vehicles of 4 wheels and a maximum speed of 25 mph that can travel on public roads.

“Most Americans work, shop and play within 3.8 miles of their home,” according to Tomberlin, “ Many are taking a second look at using a huge SUV to drive a mile down the road. The Anvil offers an affordable electric alternative, a second vehicle option, for the American family.”

The ANVIL has a 72 inch wide wheel base making it the most stable and nimble vehicle in its class. The AC power plant is capable of impressive acceleration through its top speed. A stylish body is matched with a functional interior with a large instrument console, heated seats, flow through ventilation and an MP3, CD, AM/FM radio in a 45 watt Stereo system. Safety features include front disc and rear drum brakes, double A-arm front suspension and ‘box tube’ steel construction to make the ANVIL stronger that it will ever need to be.

“The ANVIL is a head turner,” says Chris Plummer with the Tomberlin Group, “ When you zip through town people stop and look, like they might have when the first automobile drove into town. That’s as it should be, because the automobile’s replacement just arrived.”

“In roughly 10 years the number of globally produced vehicles running on gas alone will fall to 65 percent,” says Tomberlin, “ American’s want change, they want to be rid of foreign oil. The ‘greening of America’ is here and now. The ANVIL is ready to go.”

About the ANVIL
The Eco-friendly Tomberlin ANVIL is designed from the ground up as a Street Legal Low Speed Vehicle. Completely powered by electricity and controlled by AC Power, it combines the latest advances in LSV technology offering a range of 40+miles and a stylish modern design
Comfortable and reliable, the ANVIL provides a non-polluting, zero emission alternative to short commuting in America’s neighborhoods and can be recharged overnight on a regular household outlet. Versatile and cleverly designed at a price that’s easily affordable, the ANVIL will quickly become your favorite vehicle.
See more at reservemyanvil.com

About The CBS Early Show
The Early Show is the Network’s flagship morning program airing across the country from 7-9 a.m. from Monday through Friday. Anchors for the broadcast are: Julie Chen, Harry Smith, Maggie Rodriguez, Russ Mitchell and Dave Price. The show is the fastest growing network morning newscast with a total audience of approximately 3.2 million viewers.

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	E-Merge Medical Vehicle

Web Link: The ANVIL Arrives – The CBS Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle
Local Blog: The ANVIL Arrives on CBS The Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle
WordPress Blog: The Tomberlin ANVIL Arrives – The CBS Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle

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Electric Cars Anyone? – The Mathematics of Saving the Planet

ecodriveglobal — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:20:40 +0000

Electric Cars Anyone? – The Mathematics of Saving the Planet

This great article by David MacKay serves to illuminate that small changes make a big difference, especially when it comes to energy consumption…

Saving the planet by numbers

David MacKay, Professor of Physics, University of Cambridge

When it comes to saving the planet, “every little helps!” Or does it?

Maybe if we all do a little, we’ll achieve only a little. Newspapers and television programmes are full of suggestions on how we can be more green. But how can we tell what works?

As I argue in this week’s More or Less on BBC Radio 4, what we need is a single unit of measurement.

I would like to suggest measuring energies in kilowatt-hours, and measuring how fast activities use or produce energy in kilowatt-hours per day.

One kilowatt-hour (1 kWh) is the electrical energy used by leaving a 40 watt bulb on for 24 hours (and it might cost you 10 or 15 pence (15 or 20 US cent)).

The chemical energy in the food we eat to stay alive amounts to about 3 kWh per day. Taking one hot bath uses about 5 kWh of heat. Driving an average car 50 kilometres uses 40 kWh of fuel.

In total, the British lifestyle (and I apologise to international readers but my study is based on British numbers) uses 125 kWh per day per person for transport, heating, manufacturing, and electricity.

So, how do green lifestyle ideas fare under the quantitative spotlight? Well, some of these sacred cows do not fare too well, and some come through with flying colours. Here are four important examples.

Simple individual actions

Here are two simple individual actions. One is useless, one is very effective.

Turning phone chargers off when they are not in use is a feeble gesture, like bailing the Titanic with a teaspoon.

The widespread inclusion of “switching off phone chargers” in lists of “10 things you can do” is a bad thing, because it distracts attention from more effective actions that people could be taking.

In contrast, turning the thermostat down (or the air-conditioning in hot climates) is the single most effective energy-saving technology available to a typical person.

Every degree you turn it down will reduce your heating costs by 10%; and, speaking of Britain at least, heating is likely to be the biggest form of energy consumption in most buildings.

Transport, by numbers

When it comes to transport, people talk about “the hydrogen economy”.

But they also talk about electric cars.

The truth is that today’s hydrogen-powered vehicles are an energy disaster.

Most prototype hydrogen-powered vehicles use more energy than the fossil-fuel vehicles they replace. The average fossil car in Britain uses 80 kWh per 100 km, the BMW Hydrogen 7 uses 254 kWh per 100 km.

In contrast, prototype electric vehicles are far more efficient, using ten times less energy: 20 kWh per 100 km or even 6 kWh per 100 km.

Even if the electricity for electric vehicles comes from traditional fossil-fuel power stations, electric cars are still more efficient than petrol cars; and if in the future we switch over the nation’s electricity production from fossil fuels to greener sources, then electric vehicles will win by a mile.

Heating, by numbers

Small-scale combined heat and power is another looming mistake.

Yes, combined heat and power (that is, putting individual power stations in each building, generating local electricity and heat to keep the buildings warm) can be a slightly more efficient way of using fossil fuels than the standard way (namely, centralised power stations and local condensing boilers).

But these CHP systems are only about 7% more efficient. And they use natural gas, which is a fossil fuel!

The good news is, there is a much better way to generate local heat: heat pumps.

“ Even if we imagine strong efficiency measures and smart technology switches, we should not kid ourselves about the scale of the energy challenge which would remain ”

Heat pumps are back-to-front refrigerators. Powered by electricity, they pump heat into the building from the outside – either from the air, or from the ground.

The best heat pumps, recently developed in Japan, have a coefficient of performance of 4.9; this means that using 1 kWh of electricity, the heat pump delivers 4.9 kWh of heat in the form of hot air or hot water.

This is a far more efficient way to use high-grade energy to make heat, than simply setting fire to high-grade chemicals, which achieves a coefficient of performance of only 0.9.

Decentralized power generation, by numbers

Roof-mounted micro-wind turbines are an utter waste of resources.

They never pay for themselves. A typical “600 W” micro-turbine mounted on a typical roof in England generates only 0.04 kWh per day – that’s one twentieth of the power of a lightbulb.

In contrast, roof-mounted solar water heaters are a no-brainer. They really work: even where the sunniness is only about 30%, a modest 3-square-metre panel can supply half of a typical family’s hot water: about 3.8 kWh per day, on average.

So: how can we power a modern lifestyle without fossil fuels?

Individual actions saving 10% here and 40% there will not get us off fossil fuels. To eliminate fossil fuel use, we will surely also need to increase the amount of energy we get from non-fossil-fuel sources.

Even if we imagine strong efficiency measures and smart technology switches, halving our energy consumption from 125 kWh per day per person to 60 kWh per day, we should not kid ourselves about the scale of the energy challenge which would remain.

Britain could, for example, get 60 kWh per day per person by building wind farms with an area equal to Wales (which would deliver on average 20 kWh per day per person) and a hundred more nuclear power stations (which would deliver 40 kWh per day per person).

I am not pro-wind or pro-nuclear: I am just pro-arithmetic.

We need an energy plan that adds up. It is not going to be easy, but it is possible.

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/8014484.stm
Published: 2009/04/23 22:00:15 GMT – © BBC MMIXrint Sponsor

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	E-Merge Medical Vehicle

Web Link: Electric Cars Anyone? – The Math of Saving the Planet
Local Blog: Electric Vehicles Anyone – The Math of Saving the Planet

Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon in Caribbean

ecodriveglobal — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:06:55 +0000

Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon

Representatives from EcoDrive Global recently visited Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. They met with several potential dealers and anticipate the first dealership selling Low Speed Electric Vehicles (LSV’s) to be opening very soon.

The meetings took place on the main tourist island of Providencialis. Response from the residents and business owners was tremendous and everyone agreed that making the islands “green” is, without a doubt, the right thing to do. The LSV’s are ideal for the islands as they will reduce noise and emissions of air pollutants and provide for a more peaceful and cleaner environment.

EcoDrive global plans to open electric car dealerships throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Stay tuned for announcements of other islands getting onboard to “Go Green” by reducing the number of gas-guzzling cars of the past and moving ahead towards the future.

We are EcoDrive Global…enjoy the ride!

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

E-Merge E2	Anvil AVL
E-Merge E4	E-Merge Medical Vehicle

Web Link: Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon in Caribbean
Local Blog: Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships soon to Open in Caribbean

Turks and Caicos LSV, Turks and Caicos Green Cars, Turks and Caicos Low Speed Vehicles, Turks and Caicos Electric Vehicle Dealerships, Caribbean Electric Vehicles, Caribbean LSV, Caribbean Electric vehicles Dealerships, Caribbean Electric Cars Dealerships, EcoDrive Global, Caribbean Green cars.

EcoDrive Global Blog

Real Estate Developers looking to buy fleets of Electric Cars & give to new Homeowners

Real Estate Developers looking to buy fleets of Electric Cars & give to new Homeowners

The New Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Overview

Interview of Michael Tomberlin on Anvil Electric Vehicle Fox Business News June 30th 2009

The ANVIL Electric Vehicle showcased on The CBS Early Show June 29th 2009

EcoDrive Global foresees opening of Electric Car Dealership in Puerto Rico

Free Electric Cars? – an Article from Ada, Oklahoma

The Tomberlin ANVIL Arrives – The CBS Early Show June 29th 8am to Present World Premier of America’s Most Exciting New Electric Vehicle

Electric Cars Anyone? – The Mathematics of Saving the Planet

Electric Cars Anyone? – The Mathematics of Saving the Planet

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs A New Concept in Urban Mobility

Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon in Caribbean

Turks and Caicos LSV Dealerships to Open Soon

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs A New Concept in Urban Mobility

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility

EcoDrive Global, Caribbean LSVs
A New Concept in Urban Mobility