In a new marketing effort to promote its pure-electric Focus, Ford says it will make history this month, as the battery-powered version of its compact hatchback will become the first all-electric pace car to lead the pack at a NASCAR race.

The new Focus Electric, which rolled off the production line in December at the company's Michigan Assembly Plant, will perform all pace care duties for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Richmond International Raceway on April 28.

The Focus Electric pace car will make its public debut at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on April 25.  "Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver."

Ford noted that according to research, around 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR. The company added that Ford race fans are 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than general market consumers.

Via Carscoop

Self taught, Terry Hope has made his own solar power generating electric bicycle. Hope fitted the stock Specialized FRS 18 speed bike with a front grill and windshield for mounting eighteen 6"x6" mono crystalline sollar cells. Approximately 4 watt (@ 8.7v) output on each cell. Totaling 72 watts if all conditions are ideal. A 24V motor controller moves the 1 HP motor at the core of the project. Batteries are 6s1p 5000mah LIPO as the main, and two 4s1p LIPO 5000mah as "booster packs" which are wired in series. I assume he uses the "boosters" to overdrive the motor. Across the handle bars are several buttons used to turn the solar on or off for direct use, button for the booster, and the all important red E-stop. Hope added toggles to use solar for battery charging.

The motor itself drives the main sprocket. As with most multi-speed bicycles, the pedals are not engaged by the motor. The drive system is very unique compared to other electric bicycles. However, this is not ready for mass production. It is still very much a labor of love. I like the smaller electric bicycle Hope has made more than the 18 speed, see his launch page.

Can we do better? Help me build an electric bicycle with the rest of the community.

Cabe

The charge anxiety of an Electric Vehicle (EV) has deterred many from purchase. With few places to recharge, the possibility of being stranded is high. Nissan and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) announced a roadside recharging service for all EVs that has lost power. Nissan developed a few roadside vehicles equipped with EV recharging equipment that can be deployed from a Kanagawa branch office. Of course this one office will not service all of Japan, it is first being tested in an extremely limited area. It is a first step in promoting green technology, EVs, and to provide a "safety net" for all EV owners.

Nissan VP of External and Government affairs, Hitoshi Kawaguchi, had this to say about the effort, "As EVs gain wider consumer acceptance, it is important to create a roadside assistance system that can help motorists driving EVs which have run out of battery power, as well as to build a charging infrastructure. Nissan is leveraging the development and trial operation of this roadside service vehicle with charging equipment – and the accompanying staff training – to strengthen cooperation with JAF and to benefit customers. This will build confidence in EV use and contribute toward achieving a society with low carbon emissions."

With the countless towing companies in the world, I can see the same group of people fitted with EV recharging equipment becoming instantly accepted as the first thought in an EV charge emergency. Most gasoline based emergency vehicles are equipped with 300A alternators, a 3-phase AC source at either 12 or 24V. More than enough for a quick charge.

I personally think every EV should come with the "Bat Hook" power line leech, and carte blanche to use it.

Eavesdropper

A driverless "POD" is whisking students to the other side of the campus at Masdar City (near Abu Dhabi). These EV vehicles go 25Mph and can reach a range of about 37miles on a single charge. So, charging every hour then? Built by a dutch company called "To Get There," these cars are trying to fill Masdar's dream of being a "zero carbon, zero waste, car-free city." RFID and other onboard sensors help the Personal Transportation System (PRT), keep it on task and able to avoid obstacles. Although this "city" provides a 1600 meter round trip for these PODs, they are setting a good example for everyone else.

Eavesdropper