Electric Vehicles get some buzz

Tallahassee Event Attracts TESLA Roadster and more
Commentary by David Byrne, TAEVA

April 7, 2009, Tallahassee, FL -- Seeing the Tesla Roadster Electric Vehicle (EV) pull into the lot, candy-apple red, fine leather interior, (I say “seeing” – not “hearing” – it didn’t make a sound!), I couldn’t help but notice the looks on the faces of folks at this event. These were the kinds of looks that say, “something is going on around here, but I don’t know exactly what.” Something ethereal. Something new. Something we are going to see a LOT more of – very soon.

Something very exciting is happening in Tallahassee. You’ve heard this before. An out-of-town friend calls and says you really need to come visit – “there’s a lot of excitement here.” Maybe it’s a new musical sound. Maybe new tech. Maybe some great business development. Could be anything…

Well that’s what I saw hatching earlier this month at the Tallahassee Area Electric Vehicle Association (http://www.taeva.org/) chapter meeting. Hosted by City of Tallahassee Fleet Management, the event was scheduled to coincide with Jerry Asher and the “Spirit of DC” Plug-In Hybrid’s tour through Tallahassee. (I like his concept of driving through all the state capitals, and ultimately arriving at our nation’s capital. We need to bring the EV to the attention of our government officials.) The April 7 event featured nearly a dozen Electric and alternative drive vehicles:

Ø “Spirit of DC” Prius plug-in hybrid EV (http://www.phev3a.com/blogdir/phevblog.html)
Ø Florida Electric Vehicle Initiative’s PHEV (http://eviblog.floridaeaa.org/)
Ø Dodge Caravan EV conversion
Ø Tallahassee Community College Engineering Club’s Solar Golf Cart
Ø Tallahassee Police Department’s GEM and THINK NEVs (Neighborhood EVs)
Ø Tallahassee Utilities Ford Escape Hybrid
Ø Tallahassee Utilities Honda Civic Hybrid
Ø and a Tesla Roadster – a true SHOW STOPPER. (I just have to repeat the words I’ve been saying over and over: “WOW, this is a gorgeous car!”)

Like the “Spirit of DC”, the Florida Electric Vehicle Initiative is also on the road (mainly in Florida) with its PHEV, promoting the EV as a better choice for clean air and green jobs.

For those not familiar, a “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)” is a car that utilizes the gasoline engine and electric motor combination (“hybrid” – like the Toyota Prius) but is modified with a much larger battery and a charging plug, so that the car can run a reasonable distance (say, 20-30 miles) on the electric motor only. After that, the gas engine kicks in and the car operates like a standard hybrid until the battery can be recharged again. The idea is to have a car that can make most trips around town without ever burning any gasoline, yet has the extended range that the gasoline engine provides.

The “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)” is gaining popularity in among downtown residents who enjoy the ease of parking of a car similar in size to a golf cart. NEVs are convenient for short commutes and the owners can recharge the batteries at any standard electric outlet. NEV users have been pushing businesses and cities to provide electric charging spots for them to get a “fill-up” while shopping or doing business.

Back to the event: When the Tesla rolled in, I took a look around the lot at the small groups gathered in conversations over one vehicle or another. Although many hadn’t yet seen, or heard, the roadster, I could tell that they were somehow sensing its presence – the place just had that look of impending excitement. You could sure see the excitement in owner Ryan Boyle’s face – he offered rides to all the visitors and didn’t leave until everyone who wanted a ride had a chance!

The Caravan conversion is a project by TAEVA chapter officer Andre Smith. This converted 1999 Dodge is more than just a hobby for Andre. He is excited about showing others how to do their own conversion and has even be working with the Terry Lowe and the City of Tallahassee Fleet Management department as they are finishing up their first converted EV – a Ford Ranger pickup. Tallahassee Fleet is hoping to convert dozens of older vehicles over the next year. What a way to recycle! -- at the same time as cleaning up the air!

Tallahassee Utilities is also a strong supporter of EVs, and brought along a couple hybrids to show. Fleet and Utilities are working together to put attractive “wraps” on all the alternative fuel vehicles, to help promote them in the community. The Utilities department is also looking forward to integrating EVs into its electric grid -- utilizing the new “smart meter” system that will be completed this summer to manage plug-in loads and also encouraging the use of solar photovoltaic power for charging vehicles.

TAEVA’s membership is growing and the chapter expects to organize more EVents in Tallahassee over the next several months. Check with our website http://www.taeva.org/ for the calendar, and additional media coverage of our events. Our mission is to promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and as such we welcome any other organizations and individuals who would like to cooperate with us on this mission.

Something big is about to happen here. We’re right on the cusp. Come be a part of it!