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Verizon Wireless’ Entry into Home Energy Management

Posted by tlewis on January 6th, 2011

1/6/1011

Verizon Wireless had a coming out party at CES 2011 for their new Home Monitoring and Control service.  One of the applications included in the service will be home energy management.  However, the intent is to offer complete home control and monitoring including lights, locks, webcams, security, home health, and of course thermostats and energy usage.  One of the unique killer apps is the ability to view streaming webcam content from Verizon Wireless LTE-enabled handsets.... read more

Plug-In 2010: Two Solutions for DC Fast Charging of EVs

Posted by tlewis on July 31st, 2010

DC fast charging is the Holy Grail for eliminating range anxiety in pure battery electric vehicles.  It has the promise of permitting you to charge 80 miles of range on the Leaf in less than 30 minutes.  So, to the extent that these beasts are accessible out on the road, you will be able to drive farther, and recover when you forget to plug-in.  Also, they open the EV market to folks who cannot charge at home or work, including the millions of urban dwellers for whom an EV could be ideal.  No matter how big the battery, there are cases where access to a DC fast charger will be valuable. 

Well, it turns out there are two incompatible standards emerging for DC fast chargers.  There were some sessions in the Plug-in 2010 conference in San Jose this week that added clarity to these two alternatives.... read more

Plug-in 2010: Leaf Test Drive

Posted by tlewis on July 27th, 2010

I was fortunate enough to drive a real Leaf yesterday.  The dash provides a techie turn-on sequence when powered up.  As you can see in the below picture showing David Harron at the wheel, this vehicle included the optional navigation in the dash.  If you put it in a special ECO mode, then acceleration requires more throttle travel and the regenerative breaking is stronger.  But you can temporally override ECO just by tromping on the "gas".  You can see my knees in the back are not against the seat back, but I did notice that I could not tuck my feet under the front seat.... read more

Plug-In 2010 Exposition Opens To The Public

Posted by tlewis on July 6th, 2010
A DC fast charger connector usable with electric vehicles that will be available the end of this year.  Used with permission from EVnut.com

Do you want to know more about developments in the plug-in vehicle market?  If yes, then save out the evening of Tuesday, July 27th to attend Public Night of the Plug-in 2010 conference in San Jose.

This event debuted in San Jose two years ago, and took place in Long Beach last year.  So, there is certainly potential for it to not return to the bay area until 2012.

There is no need to worry about advance registration because the $10 entrance fee to Public Night is payable at the door.

... read more

Turn off that Pilot Light

Posted by tlewis on June 23rd, 2010

If you have not done so, now is a great time to turn off the pilot light on your furnace or fireplace.  It is easy to do, and will save you money (like $30 or more according to some sources.) ... read more

Reserving Your Nissan Leaf

Posted by tlewis on May 12th, 2010

Starting May 15th you will be able to reserve an all-electric Nissan Leaf at this link.  You will need to pay a $100 refundable deposit to get on the list.

The Leaf is targeted to be a commute car, so it can be viable if you have access to another vehicle in your family for long distance traveling.  There are plenty of naysayers who have plenty of reasons why the Leaf is not for them, and why they think it will not be successful.  But the Leaf is the first car since the RAV4EV to be a viable mass market all-battery electric.  The recent oil spill in the gulf helps highlight why this car is so compelling, and if you insist on transportation without oil, then the Leaf is definitely your best choice right now.

Nissan LeafNissan LeafUpper RearUpper Rear

 

 

 

 

 

 

... read more

Apple Working on Home Energy Management

Posted by tlewis on January 17th, 2010

Some details surfaced this week about a patent Apple filed last May for a system to manage power delivery to home electronics.  It is based on the HomePlug standard, and it appears there is a provision for energy storage in the home.

See these links for details: Link1 Link2

 

 

 

... read more

Contenders at Clean Tech Open Who Did Not Win

Posted by tlewis on November 18th, 2009

 

I was struck by how great some of the contenders were that did not win final awards at Clean Tech Open.  Below are some of the stand-outs in my opinion.  Check them out below!... read more

Clean Tech Open Winners

Posted by tlewis on November 18th, 2009

 At theClean Tech Open Gala last night, awards were made to early stage start-ups that compete for recognition and financial assistance.  Also, there was an alumni award made.

The winners were:... read more

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