I was pointed to this post on gawker talking about the new plug in hybrid van which the Ny Times will experiment with over the next three years. While the post is very negative in tone (quesitoning whether the times gets it or not), I actually believe that Plug-Ins running into main stream is a great strating point towards tipping transportation from fossil fuels to electrons. While plug-in hybrids may be a bit of a strange in betweener they have the potential to get consumers more comfortable with the transition to the degree that each half step will seem natural - first you use electric power but can resort to fuel when needed, then you notice that you only used electricity most of the time, and you give up the combustions engine.
In any case, for those of you in NYC - check out this announcement of today's event. If you have been there - tell us about it.
THE NEW YORK TIMES LAUNCHES THE FIRST PLUG-IN HYBRID SPRINTER
VAN ON THE EAST COAST AND FIRST OF ITS KIND IN NEW YORK STATE
VAN TO TAKE ITS MAIDEN RUN FROM MIDTOWN TO
THE NEW YORK TIMES PLANT IN QUEENS
WHAT:
The first plug-in hybrid medium duty vehicle on the east coast and in New York State will be unveiled.
The New York Times will collect data for three years for the New York Power Authority, DaimlerChrysler, Electric Power Research Institute and ConEdison. The Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid vehicle can operate up to 20 miles in zero-emission electric mode or as a traditional hybrid with a diesel engine. A plug-in hybrid lends itself to a commercial application because it can be recharged with a 220-volt outlet overnight. The New York Times vehicle is among the first in a test fleet operating in the United States.
WHO:
Executives from The New York Times, DaimlerChrysler, New York Power Authority, Electric Power Research Institute and ConEdison.
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 11
10:45 a.m.
WHERE:
In front of The New York Times building
i missed it, but heard it was only semi-interesting
Posted by: bobby | April 12, 2007 at 02:59 PM
I see a similar thing happening with Macs (Apple computers). Now, when Macs are running on Intel platform, users that are interested in seeing what Mac OS is, but were afraid to loose Windows compatibility, can run both operating systems on a Mac. During time, if they feel comfortable with the Mac and do not miss Windows too much, they can move to Mac OS completely; the same approach can work for electric cars.
Posted by: Ori Matalon | April 15, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Hi Shay.
I just saw you on the news on channel 10. I am in process of developing electrical car. I think we should join forces. I only have pation to create an electrical car, but you have experience.
I truly believe that electrical car can do more then to transport people.
Please read my blog. Send mail or leave a comment with email if you'd like to talk to me.
Posted by: Tim | April 20, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Shai,
I just saw you on channel 10 as well. You spoke at my school (IDC Herzlia) a year ago and once again your presence inspired me.
Best of luck on your new venture.
I appreciate air much more now.
Anat Kramer
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Posted by: John | September 28, 2007 at 07:33 PM
Please,
If you are working about an electric car for the middle orient market built an hydrogen car!
You can and must product hydrogen with sun an sea primar energy !
Its certainly the way alone to built relations between arabic world and industriel world outside of the corruptions of oil industrie and so the way alone to the peace !
Hydrogen energy is probably the kryat Yam Souf aharit ha yamim
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