Posted by: Karel Boele
on 07 Mar, 2012
Posted by: Rich Bowden
on 03 Oct, 2011
EcoDirectory's owner/manager Karel Boele was recently invited to the launch of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV in Melbourne. The small car is the first volume-produced 100 percent electric vehicle to be released in Australia and we caught up with Karel to ask his thoughts on the launch and the future of the electric car in Australia.
Posted by: sustainadelic
on 30 May, 2011
There's been an emerging consensus that the (sustainable) future of cars was electric, with hydrogen the big hope for aviation.
However, a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald argues that the auto industry is turning away from electric cars.
Getting electric batteries to delivery long-distance driving range at a realistic size and an affordable prices is proving elusive. And while the 100-150km range of an electric battery is fine for everyday city driving 50 weeks of the year, consumers want a car they can also take on holiday a couple of times a year.
One solution to this problem could be the rollout of a battery-switching network, such as that planned by Better Place. Drivers will simply drive into a Better Place station and switch their battery for a fully charged one in a couple of minutes.
If that works, electric cars may overcome the distance problem.
Posted by:
on 16 Apr, 2009
Seems like politicians are finally getting sensible and settling on electric cars as the best option for low-emission driving.
Posted by:
on 26 Jan, 2009
The Daily Telegraph reports that the NSW State Government is believed to be working on a "green agenda" for the state, in a bid to reverse its disastrously low poll ratings.
Posted by:
on 19 Jan, 2009
At least some countries seem to be taking climate change seriously. Spain, whose target of 30 per cent renewable energy by 2010 puts Australia's ambitions to shame, is also investing in a new high-speed rail network that competes with domestic plane travel, slashing greenhouse gas emissions.
Posted by:
on 09 Jan, 2009
I had a quick peak at a boat called Earthrace today - a bio-diesel powerboat that's currently touring the globe. Visually stunning, it certainly lives up to its billing as "the world's coolest boat".
Posted by:
on 26 Dec, 2008
Even though you can't buy an electric car in Australia yet, an American company called Better Place has announced a partership with Macquarie Bank and power company AGL to build a network of recharging stations for electric cars in Australia.
Posted by:
on 30 Nov, 2008
Treehugger reports on tyre maker Michelin's new Active Wheel technology, a new development in electric cars. What's different is that there are 7kg electric motors in the wheels themselves, powered by lithium ion batteries and regenerative braking. Having the motors in the wheels dispenses with the need for a transmission system.
