Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The New Elio | Takeaways from the SE Alternative Fuel Conference and Expo



Green Living is the Life For Me!

The Elio

The Elio, a three wheeled auto-cycle by Elio Motors


















A few weeks ago, I was attending the Southeast Alternative Fuel Conference and Expo and while there I met and interviewed Joel Sheltrown, VP of Governmental Affairs at Elio Motors about their new auto-cycle. 

The vehicle is American made, 84 MPG highway, seats two in tandem, has a $6800 price tag.  Safety ratings are pending however it has been designed with highest safety standards. Elio Motors is now taking reservations and ramping up for production in Louisiana. 

I was impressed by the aerodynamic design, it's price and practical nature.  Currently several states including North Carolina would still require a helmet for operating an auto-cycle so this and getting official safety ratings are part of Elio Motors current challenges.

















Alternate Fuel Vehicle Ride-and-Drive
On the second day of the conference there was a very cool ride-and-drive event featuring the latest in alternate fuel vehicles. Here are just a few of the vehicles:

Propane powered pickup truck
















Propane storage tank on pickup truck
















DME (dimethyl ether) Volvo Truck


















DME storage tank
















BMW i8 Hybrid (Gas and Electric)


























Interior of BMW i-8
Electric 3 wheel Segway
Propane powered law enforcement vehicle
Propane storage tank
Engine of propane powered vehicle
BMW i3 Hybrid (Gas and Electric)
Interior of BMW i3
Zymobile Biodiesel Flex Fuel Dodge Charger
ELF transport - Electric and/or pedal power

















Take Aways from the Conference

The development of alternate fuels is a critical part of our nation's security and our future.

Telemetrics can help fleet managers make small changes that make a big difference in fuel usage. NC State's Clean Energy and Technology Center offers a eco-driving training program that boasts a 19% average improvement in miles per gallon and utilizes Scan Gauge to help the driver get constant feedback on their driving habits (speeding, idling over three minutes and traveling outside set boundaries).

Electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), DME (dimethyl ether), propane and bio-diesel vehicles are here now and already making an impact with cleaner, quieter transportation and decreasing our dependence on imported oil.

Large and heavy vehicles such as semi tractor trailers, buses and garbage trucks known for lots of emissions and lots of fuel usage are now using electric and CNG on a bigger scale with success and substantial savings for the owners. As Don Hayden, owner of M&M Cartage Co., summed it up..."Make green by being green."

There is currently a movement to cut down fuel loss due to idling. This is a low hanging fruit for both cost savings, lowering emissions and the consumption of fuel.

One the greatest concerns of the average individual utlizing an alternate fuel vehicle is "range anxiety." This is a fear of being stranded without fuel or power to reach the next destination and/or next fueling or charging station.

The decisions today's fleet managers are making will have impact for the next 20 years.


Website resources

Elio Motors
NC State Clean Energy and Technology Center
IdleBox Toolkit
Scan Guage
BMW i8
BMW i3
Organic Transit
Zymobile US

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Thanks for checking out my blog and clicking on my sponsors!


Rick
apexgardner@gmail.com
@apexgardner (Twitter)
http://apexlazydogblog.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

TS Designs and the Piedmont Green Gala



Green Living is the Life For Me!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit TS Designs in Burlington, NC for a tour of their facility and the Piedmont Green Gala.
 
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TS Designs




While there, I had the opportunity to learn more about TS Designs from Tom Sineath, the CEO and co-founder and speak to him about the "dirt to shirt" product life cycle.


Additionally, Tom took a group of us on a tour of the TS Designs facility and discussed "little changes" the company has made to become more sustainable. Here are some of the highlights:

Solar Panels


















Replacing bulbs with CFL Bulbs























Switching to Biodiesel


















Planting fruit and nut trees


















Raising chickens for eggs and pest control


















Beekeeping for honey and pollination


















Growing vegetable garden


















Collecting grey water for toilet























Using more sustainable practices in printing t-shirts



















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TS Designs From Dirt to Shirt Process


































































































































Be sure to check out TS Designs website for more information.

http://tsdesigns.com/


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Piedmont Green Gala

The Piedmont Green Gala was a celebration and information fair hosted by TS Designs with groups and organizations from all over the area. 

Here are some of the groups that were represented with links to their organization:

Honey Electric Solar, Inc.

SolarPower Mobile Unit


















 
Battery Box in SolarPower Mobile Unit


















Specs on SolarPower Mobile Unit























Contact for SolarPower Mobile Unit is Honey Electric Solar, Inc. at 336-263-7246 or email at info@honeyelectricsolar.com

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NC GreenPower
NC GreenPower


















NC GreenPower's goal is to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for North Carolina. It's program supports solar, wind, landfill methane, small hydroelectric and biomass projects. For more information, check out their website at:

https://www.ncgreenpower.org/https://www.ncgreenpower.org/

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The Nature Center at Glencoe






















































The Nature Center at Glencoe is opening this month in Burlington.  For more information, check out their website at:

http://www.burlingtonnc.gov/index.aspx?NID=1601

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Campout! Carolina


Campout! Carolina is an annual event that encourages people to turn off the lights, unplug from the computer, and enjoy a night (or two) under the stars. This year's event was October 10-12.

For more information, check out their website at:
http://campoutcarolina.org/

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Long Family Farm Soaps

































Long Family Farms makes all natural cold process soaps. They are located in Stokes County, North Carolina. For more information and their webstore, check out their website at:

http://www.longfamilyfarmsoaps.com/Home.php

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Thanks for checking out my blog and clicking on my sponsors!


Rick
apexgardner@gmail.com
@apexgardner (Twitter)
http://apexlazydogblog.blogspot.com/