Big Jump in Fuel Efficiency of New Cars for July 2009

Washington, U.S.A -- The GreenMonster read a report saying that the average mileage for new vehicles rose from 21.4 miles per gallon in June to 22.1 mpg in July. This is the biggest one-month jump accordingto the researchers.

This higher mileage is attributed to the effect of Cash for Clunkers, according to Michael Sivak, co-author of the research at the University of Michigan.

"Cash for Clunkers," or the The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), is a U.S. federal scrappage program intended to provide economic incentives to U.S. residents to purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when trading in a less fuel efficient vehicle. The program was designed to provide stimulus to the economy by boosting auto sales, while putting safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the roadways. The program officially started last July.

Read the news item from the Associated Press.

SunPower Offers Easy, Affordable Financing for Residential Solar Power Systems

San Jose, Calif., U.S. – SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced a solar loan program that makes solar power systems more affordable for homeowners in the U.S. The five-year loans, available through Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union of Palo Alto, Calif., may allow homeowners to take advantage of the 30 percent federal tax credit now available for installing solar power systems, as well as additional incentives offered by many states and municipalities. Homeowners do not need equity in their homes to qualify for these loans, and can easily transfer the SunPower systems to new owners on the sale of the house.

This new program joins an existing service that SunPower offers to help homeowners secure long term home equity loans to finance the purchase of their solar power systems. Interest on home equity loans may be tax deductible, and loan recipients also qualify for the significant state and federal tax incentives available today. Individuals should consult with their own professional tax advisors concerning specific tax circumstances.

"Compared to leasing programs available from other companies, SunPower's loan programs offer significant tax advantages and the opportunity to easily transfer the solar power system - and its value - when you sell your home," said SunPower Chief Marketing Officer Jan Soderstrom. "Why spend years paying to essentially rent a system, when you can enjoy the benefits of ownership today?"

"Federal and state tax credits reduced the cost of my SunPower system by more than 30 percent, so owning the system outright made sense to me," said homeowner Tom Bechly of San Jose, Calif. "Addison Avenue offered an easy loan application process with competitive rates. It's gratifying to watch my meter run backward, receive smaller electricity bills from the utility company each month, and know that I am doing my part for the environment."

"With the increased interest in the use of alternative energy sources as a means to combat global warming, we are pleased to be one of the first credit unions to offer a specific solar loan product," said Scott Pellegrini, product manager at Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union. "SunPower offers the most efficient solar power systems available on the market today, so homeowners who install SunPower solar systems will maximize the benefit to the environment while minimizing their electric bills. The switch to solar has never been more attractive."

Through the partnership with SunPower, Addison Avenue is offering solar loans of up to $50,000 on the purchase of a residential SunPower system. Existing members of Addison Avenue will also receive a rebate of $0.30 per watt (up to $1,500) from SunPower on the purchase of a SunPower system. There is no application fee or pre-payment penalty, and applicants will be offered affordable monthly payments and flexible extended terms. Current rates are as low as 5.25 percent APR for qualified borrowers.

For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com/ or www.addisonavenue.com/loans/solar/.

Green Hybrid Car Toyota Prius Boom in Japan Amidst the Global Economic Downturn

Tokyo, Japan – The GreenMonster visits Japan as the dim auto market finds a rare bright spot as sales for Toyota's new Prius hybrid in this country have topped a booming 110,000, according to an announcement by a major dealership.

When the third-generation Prius officially rolled out in Japan just two weeks ago, it has already received 80,000 advance orders. Dealers are overwhelmed.

Toyota has set its sales target for Japan at 10,000 new Prius cars a month. This figure should make the Prius the top-selling car in the country - which is quite a huge accomplishment for a hybrid car.

The demand for hybrids are increasing partly because the Japanese government began offering tax exemptions for the cars to encourage their sales earlier this year, and added a cash-back rebate for trading in cars 13 years or older for greener cars.

Hybrids are also more fuel efficient than gas-engine cars. In highly populated and urbanized areas like Japan where stop-and-go traffic are very common, fuel efficiency of gas-engine cars decrease but increases with hybrid cars as these cars rely on electric motors in heavy traffic.

But overall, the Japanese auto market is still expecting a 550 billion yen ($5.7 billion) loss for the fiscal year through March 2010, its second straight year in the red, because of the global auto slump and the unfavorable exchange rate in a strong yen.

Discovery Channel and Planet Green to Celebrate a Month-Long, Multi-Platform Earth Day Event

Maryland, U.S. -- GreenMonster is an avid viewer of Discovery Channel shows. Well, I received an announcement that Discovery Communications' Planet Green will lead the network's company-wide, multi-platform initiative to inspire, inform and motivate people of all ages to take action for the future of the planet. Discovery will feature original eco-focused content across its family of networks, digital platforms and mobile channels. Celebrating the 39th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the month-long effort will include participation by some of the world's leading non-profit organizations, and events across the country through a partnership with America's largest Earth Day event, the Green Apple Festival. PlanetGreen.com will present a special feature that will serve as a one stop destination for a wealth of information, "take action" resources and volunteer activities.

"Celebrating and promoting environmental awareness has been at the heart of Discovery's mission since its inception, when John Hendricks made the Earth the centerpiece of the company's logo and synonymous with its very identity," said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications. "It is a responsibility and commitment we take very seriously. From the launches of Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and last year's debut of Planet Green - the first and only network fully dedicated to protecting and preserving the planet - to the airing of the historic Planet Earth series in 2007, and now, our month-long, multi-platform Earth Day celebration, Discovery is continuously looking for innovative, inspiring and engaging ways to spread the word about environmental stewardship."

"Earth Day gives us the opportunity to engage people at a time when interest and awareness about the environment is elevated," said Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager of Planet Green. "Whether it's original programming, special online content and resources or volunteer events, we are committed to helping people take that next step toward a sustainable future."

US Solar Market Hit 17% Growth in 2008 Despite Economic Crisis

Washington, U.S. -- The GreenMonster checks out solar energy installations in the United States and finds out that it reached a total capacity growth by 1,265 megawatts (MW) in 2008, up from 1,159 MW installed in 2007. This brings the total installed capacity up by 17 percent to 8,775 MW. This includes 1,547 MW of electric capacity from Photovoltaics (PV) and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and 7,636 MW of thermal capacity (water heating, pool heating, and space heating) -- according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association in the U.S. Well, this is good news!

The U.S. added 342 MW of PV in 2008, including 292 MW of grid-tied capacity. For grid-tied PV, this represents a 81 percent growth rate over the 161 MW of grid-tied installations in 2007 and brings total installed grid-tied PV capacity in the U.S. to over 1 gigawatt.

Installations grew especially fast in 6 states, including California, Hawaii, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania, where on-grid capacity additions more than doubled over 2007 figures.

At the same time, solar was not spared from the global economic meltdown that has hit all sectors of the economy. As a result of the continuing housing crisis, solar pool heater shipments remained below record levels set in 2006.

Your Travel Companion -- the Kewet Buddy Electric Car

Norway -- Still in Norway, the GreenMonster drops by Oslo and checks out the Kewet Buddy electric car of ElBil Norge.

The 3-seater 3-door highway-capable Kewet Buddy accelerates at 0-50 km/h (31 mph) in 7 seconds and has a top speed of 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) on its SepEx 72V DC, 13 kW electric motor with a gear wheel transmission with differential rear-wheel drive and fully automatic electric gear shift system, gearing 1:7.

The lead-acid batteries which costs about NOK 19,000 has a range of 50-100 km (31-62 mph) on a full charge, depending on road conditions, temperature and the driver. Charging is 0-100% in 6-8 hours, 30-95% in 3 hours. A 1 hour charge gives a 10 km (6 mi) range. Lithium-ion batteries can also be used and has up to 150 km (93 mi) range. Batteries' lifespan is between two and five years, or about 20,000 km (12,400 mi), depending on driving and charging habits. Driving range is enhanced by the regenerative braking system.

The body is made of welded tubular steel space frame (optional hot dip galvanised), with a fibre-glass reinforced polyester surface. MacPherson struts is the front suspension and independent telescopic suspension for the rear.

There were 1000 units of Kewet produced before the 6th generation of its kind -- the Buddy was released in the autumn of 2005. Currently being sold only in Norway, production is aimed at 5000 cars a year as of 2008.

This cool electric car has an optional sun roof, ski rack and bike rack as well.

Thinking Different with the Th!nk City Electric Car

Norway -- Going back to the non-sports car category, the GreenMonster visits Snarøya and Aurskog in Norway and takes a look at Th!nk City by Th!nk Global.

It's a 3-door (including rear hatch), 2-seater (2 more rear seats optional) crash-tested and highway-certified electric car with a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and accelerates at 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in 6.5 seconds with a range of 170 km (106 mi).

Battery options are available namely the sodium-based batteries from MES-DEA and the Lithium-based batteries from either A123 Systems or Enerdel. Charging time is approximately 10 hours, 230 VAC / 14A for a 100% charge and approximately 8 hours, 230 VAC / 14A for an 80% charge.

Batteries can be leased from Th!nk for a monthly fee of NOK 975 per month ($160, £81, EUR120) for full maintenance, WiFi and car insurance.

Orders are available for Norway at NOK 199,000 before optional features, which is approximately $32,500 US, or £16,600 UK, or €24,500. As of August 2008, 100 cars had already been made. The car will be available soon in Denmark, Sweden, in the UK, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

The Tesla Roadster

California, USA -- Another addition to the GreenMonster's list of electric sports cars is the 2-seat, 2-door roadster, the Tesla Roadster by Tesla Motors.

This highway capable car uses lithium-ion battery technology, which they call ESS (Energy Storage System), has a capacity of 53 KWh of electrical energy when fully charged at 3½ hours using the high power connector which supplies 70 amp, 220 volt electricity. The full charge lets you drive for 244 mi (393 km) before it needs to be plugged again.

This darling accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) run by a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor licensed from AC Propulsion's EV Power System design which includes a Reductive Charging patent covering integration of the charging electronics with the inverter, thus reducing mass, complexity, and cost. Transmission is a single speed BorgWarner automatic fixed gear.

Officially unveiled to the public on July 19, 2006, in Santa Monica, California, it has delivered its first 100th car in December 2008 and its 200th car in February 2009.

The price is at $109,000 for the 2009 models. A $5000 refundable reservation fee starts the process and locks in price; and additional $55,000 to lock in a production slot and delivery timeframe.

Electric Roadster from Lightning GT

United Kingdom -- The GreenMonster continues its search for electric cars and goes sporty with the Lightning GT from the British Lightning Car Company.

It's a 2-seat convertible roadster capable of highway speeds accelerating at 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 4 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) run by 4 in-wheel Hi-Pa Drive motors, with 480 kw of power combined, developed by PML Flightlink Ltd. All the power and speed won't be wasted when you step on the brakes as it uses regenerative braking.

The battery system is a 36 kwh NanoSafe Lithium-titanate battery pack developed by American company Altairnano Inc. Charging is achieved in 5-6 hrs using its 6.6kW onboard charger and 10 minutes using a 250kW external fast charger unit. Range 300 km (200 mi) on a full charge.

The impressive body design is made up of carbon fiber and Kevlar composites.

The price is at £120,000 inclusive of VAT as at October 2008 with returnable reservation fee of £3,500 for delivery in 2009 and 2010.

REVA Reveals REVA L-ion -- a Lithium-ion Battery Powered Car

Bangalore, India -- The GreenMonster continues to shop for electric cars around the globe and came across this highway-speed capable car from India called REVA. Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) was said to be the first company worldwide to successfully commercialize electric cars and sell or test market its range of electric cars in 18 countries across Europe and Asia and has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars in the market with over 2,500 EVs on the road that have logged in an estimated 50 million kilometers of user experience.

An announcement was made that the new REVA L-ion, powered by the next generation high-performance lithium-ion batteries will be available this year in May. Lithium-ion batteries will enable to the electric car to charge in 6 hours with an onboard charger and 1 hour with an external charger requiring 3-phase power. Top speed is the same with the REVA i at 80 km/h (50 mph), but the range has increased to 120 km (75 mi) from the 80 km (50 mi) range of the REVA i.

The REVA i, introduced in January 2008 after the discontinued REVA (or G-Wiz in the UK), runs on eight 6-Volt EV lead acid batteries that fully charges in 8 hours (80% in 2.5 hours.) on a 220 Volt, 15 Ampere socket. The standard REVA i model costs about £7,995.

Hmm... how much would the new REVA L-ion be? We'll see.

What will Electric Automobiles and Mobile Phones have in Common?

Los Angeles, California ,USA -- The GreenMonster is shopping for a green car that uses renewable energy that will complement his good looks, his will to emit lesser and lesser, if not zero, pollution, gain energy efficiency, and independence, not just on the road, but from fossil fuels as well.

A company called BETTER PLACE, with Shai Agassi as its founder and CEO, gears itself to provide an electric car infrastructure or network, in places powered by renewable energy, where people can affordably and conveniently charge or switch batteries -- to free us from expensive fossil fuels.

The BETTER PLACE business model is like that of cellular networks and mobile phones. We pay cellular network providers for minute-by-minute access to cell towers connected together in cellular networks. We buy the mobile phone we want or sometimes it's thrown in for free depending on the mobile phone service's subscription plan we choose.

We just replace the phone with an electric car, replace the cell towers with battery recharge stations, and replace the cellular networks with an electric recharge grid powered by renewable energy. And now we’re buying miles, not minutes.

If and when this electric car infrastructure holds ground, I imagine car manufacturers mass producing their Motorolas, Nokias, and Sony Ericssons at cheap prices and maybe at even much cheaper prices for the end-users by getting financial incentives from the electric car infrastructure provider or from the government to drive more users or drivers to the network.

Within their proposed infrastructure is the BETTER PLACE operating system which they call AutOS, which has GPS and power monitor that communicates between the car, the battery, and the grid to guide drivers to the nearest charging station and to manage the electricity the car needs.

I think that this is a liberating idea and a business model that would go a long long way. Israel, Denmark, Australia, California, Hawaii and Canada are some of the governments that made commitments to the installation of this grid.