ERRINGTON – Canadians could be finally making the switch to electrics.
High gas prices and concern for the environment are fueling the market for zero emission cars and an Oceanside company is cashing in.
Canadian Electric Vehicles of Errington sells electric conversion kits and utility vehicles – all over the world, but they’ve noticed a huge increase in Canadian sales.
The electric conversion kits – sold to those who want to convert their gas guzzlers to clean, zero emission electric vehicles are priced between 4 and 15 thousand dollars.
3 years ago, 80 percent of sales of CEV conversion kits were to the U.S. and abroad.
Now CEV President, Randy Holmquist says 70 percent of his sales are to Canadians.
Recent improvements of battery and drive system technology means converted cars can now get over 150 kilometres with one charge – well over the daily commute needs of most Canadians.
Holmquist recommends that customers are mechanically inclined before they take on the project of converting their cars to zero emission.
But he says more and more Canadians are choosing this method as an affordable alternative to gas or even hybrid vehicles.
Duration : 0:2:52
Follow ZAP as it drives in the Korea Electric Vehicle Challenge with partner and sponsor Samyang Optics. For the first time ever, the ZAP Alias and SUV appear in an on-road demonstration, a 220 km freeway rally in Korea at speeds of 80 kph. The multistage event included three rest and recharge stops.
Its been challenging to obtain the final results about this first-time event organized by the Korean government. With close ties to distribution partner Samyang Optics it was decided just a week beforehand that this was an event ZAP could not afford to miss. A decision was made to use the first drivable prototype of the Alias finished in 2009 equipped with a lead-acid battery pack for demonstration purposes. The SUV was still in process, a prototype model using an economical drive train designed with a lithium battery pack for mid-range electric fleet applications.
ZAP is extremely pleased with the results. In the cold weather and uphill climb of the first leg, the Alias and SUV performed exemplary. Even with lead-acid batteries the Alias made it to the first checkpoint at 54 km and stole the show according to an eye-witness. Another Alias prototype is now road testing lithium batteries and ZAP is looking forward to testing their performance in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Shakedown Stage May 2-8 at Michigan International Speedway.
The Alias stopped at the first checkpoint, but reports indicate the SUV recharged for 1.5 hours and continued on in the challenge. It recharged again for 1.5 hours at the second rest stop and another .5 hours before having to stop at the 200 km/120 mi mark of the 220 km course. It has not been reported how the other two Korean vehicles performed in the rally. ZAP feels this is an excellent performance for the SUV in its first public demonstration with having only a week to prepare beforehand; the entire design/build team is to be commended. The economically-sized lithium battery pack recorded an impressive display.
Results will be updated as they become available, but organizers stated the goal of the event was to demonstrate electric vehicles, not test the limits of their performance. Reports indicate that more than a dozen different electric vehicle companies participated in parades and an exhibition. The event was organized by the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Environment. The Korean government has announced support and investment in electric vehicles over the next few years.
The event was launched by government and business leaders including Korean ministers, congressmen and a representative from the Korean Electric Vehicle Association. Samyang CEO Christopher Kang and ZAP CEO Steve Schneider also attended. Thanks to Steve for getting this great footage of the first leg back to the states. And Congratulations to Aubre Decker for driving the Alias on the first leg and the SUV for the remainder of the Challenge. For further information visit http://zapglobal.wordpress.com
Duration : 0:9:33
Ford is a leader in the development of Battery Electric Vehicles. Earlier this year it unveiled the Tourneo Connect BEV and last week it announced it was developing a fleet of electric Focus prototypes.
The Tourneo Connect BEV is developed with UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles, part of the Tanfield Group.
Duration : 0:2:5
Battery never needs recharging down time with the URECA system
Watch this working Detroit Electric drive out of the Edison Ex. and on the street.
Owned by Union College, and formally owned by Wizard of Schenectady Charles Steinmetz.
Duration : 0:2:52
Bryan Hansel, chief executive officer, Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (SEV U.S. Corp), highlighting the features of the Smith Newton, the world’s largest battery-electric-powered truck. SEV U.S. Corp will assemble and market in North America. The Smith Newton is ideal for companies that operate depot-based route delivery fleets in urban areas and are seeking ways to deliver their goods and services in an environmentally sensitive manner. The Smith Newton has a top speed of 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of up to 16,280 lbs.
Duration : 0:3:28
The Korea Electric Vehicle Challenge took place outside Seoul with ZAP and Samyang Optics entering two vehicles under development, the Alias electric car and the electric A380 SUV.
This was ZAP’s first public demonstration of the Alias and SUV. ZAP’s two 100 percent electric vehicles drove in a 200km/124.3mi route at average speeds of 85kph or 52.8mph as part of an EV Challenge representing the Korean electric vehicle industry.
The three-day event includes an Eco Fair where the ZAP vehicles are scheduled to appear in parades and in an exhibition of fuel efficient vehicles and other consumer products.
ZAP was hosted by Samyang Optics in their ongoing partnership to distribute electric vehicles in Korea. The Korean government has announced support and investment in electric vehicles over the next few years. Several government and business leaders spoke at the opening ceremony for the event, including Korean ministers, congressmen, representatives from the Korean Elecctric Vehicle Association, as well as Samyang CEO Christopher Kang and ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.
The electric SUV is based on a partnership between ZAP and auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. using the A380 5-door SUV targeting the China fleet market. The ZAP Alias electric car is entered in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize taking place this year. For more information visit http://zapalias.wordpress.com.
Thank you to ZAP CEO Steve Schneider for providing the video, ZAP EV Tech and Driver Aubre Decker, and Brad Moore of ZAP Marketing for producing the video.
Duration : 0:1:18
General Electric is a superb company and I loved making this short video for them. The conference wasn’t very visual but it was a serious opportunity for leading battery experts to connect with one another. If this is your area of interest, I hope you enjoy this. To see more of my work, please visit www.theHoffmancollection.com.
Duration : 0:9:12
ZAP Alias Electric Car Debuts at North American International Auto Show Electric Avenue
DETROIT (January 8, 2010) Electric transportation pioneer ZAP (OTCBB:ZAAP) of Santa Rosa is previewing its Alias 100 percent electric sports car at the North American International Auto Show, January 11-24 in Detroit, Michigan. The display is part of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition with a $10 million purse for production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent.
The ZAP Alias will be located in the auto show debut of Electric Avenue, a section on the main floor that will showcase electric vehicles and technology. The exhibit area will feature nearly 20 vehicles as well as symposiums and special events. For more information, visit http://www.naias.com.
The Alias was designed by ZAP and European engineers. Powered by an array of large-format lithium batteries, the base model Alias can top 85 miles per hour and travel over 100 miles on a charge. The drive system uses a compact, high-efficiency, air-cooled, AC-induction motor and carries an expected list price of around $35,000.
Duration : 0:2:16
This proves that the technology is available right now! So lets all stop paying $3to$4 for gas and lets all plug in. If GM&Ford don’t want to do it that’s fine we will all buy a car from whoever produces one. I drive a GM right now but the next car we buy will be a plug in EV (electric vehicle) or plug in hybrid (PHEV — plug in hybrid electric vehicle)
Duration : 0:6:44