Green Living is the Life For
Me!
The Elio
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| 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:
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| Propane powered pickup truck |
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| Propane storage tank on pickup truck |
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| DME (dimethyl ether) Volvo Truck |
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| DME storage tank |
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| BMW i8 Hybrid (Gas and Electric) |
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| Interior of BMW i-8 |
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| Electric 3 wheel Segway |
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| Propane powered law enforcement vehicle |
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| Propane storage tank |
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| Engine of propane powered vehicle |
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| BMW i3 Hybrid (Gas and Electric) |
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| Interior of BMW i3 |
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| Zymobile Biodiesel Flex Fuel Dodge Charger |
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| 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
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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Rick
apexgardner@gmail.com
@apexgardner (Twitter)
http://apexlazydogblog.blogspot.com/
Rick
apexgardner@gmail.com
@apexgardner (Twitter)
http://apexlazydogblog.blogspot.com/
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