RawEco

Raw Review: Dahon Jetstream, Riese und Muller Birdy, Ross 2000XR, Novara Buzz FlyBy and others do battle

RawEco Staff — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:24:00 -0400

The long awaited gap transportation Raw Review Roundup is finally here! We've been piling up the miles on these machines for the last several months and there are a few clear winners.

Gap transportation usually serves to get a commuter from mass transit to their destination. Since gap transportation machines often need to be carried onto trains and buses, they should be light and compact. Typically, there are some trade-offs to make something both fun to ride and easy to carry.

Without further ado, here are the contenders and their rankings.

Top Tier:
Dahon Jetstream P8 folding bike
Riese und Muller Birdy 2 Monocoque folding bike
Dahon Mu P8 folding bike

Middle Tier:
Riese und Muller Frog folding bike
Ross Motors 2000XR electric scooter
REI Novara Buzz FlyBy folding bike

Bottom Tier:
Schwinn Stealth R electric scooter
Bladez 450 electric scooter

The rides were compared to non-folding reference bikes and used on surfaces including gravel paths, suburban streets, and pothole-infested urban pavement.

Dahon Jetstream P8: The Dahon surprised us here at RawEco by scoring solidly into the top tier with a great combination of performance, comfort, portability, and style. Why were we surprised? Typically in large cities, the folding bikes you see are of the "hardtail" variety: utilitarian machines that get you there with minimum impact on your wallet... and maximum impact on your spine.

The Dahon, equipped with a good elastomer front suspension and an excellent air shock rear suspension, gets you there with tailbone intact and ready for a day's worth of work. It's not designed for off-road use, but we couldn't help ourselves and took it for some light trail work. While the Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires on the Jetstream are definitely optimized for road use, the bike itself did admirably well on dirt and gravel.

The Jetstream is fairly priced and relatively lightweight at ready-to-ride 25.5 lbs on our scales. Twenty-five pounds may seem like a decent load to carry, but it's quite reasonable for a full-suspension bike, and this one happens to fold to a compact package that easily fits in the trunk or back seat of a typical sedan.

We found folding the Jetstream to be intuitive and the easiest of all the frame-hinged bikes. We definitely liked the frame hinge design compared to the Mu and FlyBy.

Frame hinges are located in the middle of a bike frame and allow the bike to literally be folded in half. The advantage of a frame hinge is that it allows for design flexibility and simple folding. It also has the distinct advantage of leaving the bicycle's drivetrain unmolested during the folding process. We'll revisit that in more detail in the Birdy review.

The disadvantage of a frame hinge is the vague concept that having a hinge in a structurally important part of the bike may lead to potential failures down the line. On one hand, this makes sense to some of us here at RawEco, especially the engineers. The hinge folds the bike sideways, but your weight is trying to crack the hinge downwards.

That being said, it seems quite feasible to design a hinge and frame that is strong enough to withstand the relatively puny forces that a human can exert jumping off curbs and hitting potholes. Furthermore, research here at RawEco has only located a handful of individuals who have reported hinge failures on frame-hinged bikes, and those are typically on low-end steel framed bikes, some of which may have been exposed to saltwater corrosion. The Dahon representative we spoke with noted that hinges, like many mechanical parts on a bicycle, should be inspected and adjusted over the years.

Of all the folding bikes, the Jetstream rode most like our reference bikes. That's quite a compliment, given that our reference bikes include high-end XTR equipped Specialized Stumpjumper FSR full-suspension mountain bikes and the same carbon-fiber Trek model that Lance Armstrong rode to victory in the Tour de France. We love our bikes here at RawEco, and we definitely love the Jetstream.

Pros:
Plush, adjustable rear suspension
Great brakes
Good SRAM drivetrain and gear range
Intuitive folding

Cons:
Non-adjustable front suspension is too firm for riders under 130 lbs

Other observations:
Retails for around $999
Feels more stable/less nimble than the Birdy
Geometry and components make it feel like a big, full-sized bike
Small magnets hold the bike folded shut, but when they accidentally detach, the bike can feel like a limp noodle
Can roll when folded, but the magnets will sometimes detach. Bring a small bungee cord if you plan on rolling it a lot while folded.
Invest in a shock pump (~$15 and up) to tailor the rear shock to your weight and riding style
Pump the tires up to their maximum pressure and enjoy the benefits of ultra-low rolling resistance and the comfortable, full suspension ride. Those same pressures on the FlyBy and Lance's Trek sometimes make our teeth rattle

Riese und Muller Birdy 2 Monocoque: The Birdy looks amazing in specs. Award-winning design designed by award-winning designers. Hand-welded, ultra-stiff, one-piece aluminum alloy frame suspended on dual, customizable, elastomer springs. Amazing, almost artistic folds using the suspension swing-arms to enable compact storage without frame hinges. Legendary stories of people riding thousands of miles on their Birdy bikes through cross-country tours. A cult-like following in Germany and Japan. 25 year warranty.

The reality is still impressive, but it's nearly impossible to live up to the high expectations. That 25 year warranty appears to only be honored in some countries. That beautiful folding act requires smaller wheels and also requires that you to shift to high gear in order to fit the rear drivetrain in. And that elastomer suspension works well, but probably isn't going to deliver the plush ride that some people associate with full-suspension.

Our test ride was finished in a badass matte titanium gray paint job with black handlebars, seatpost and stem. In many ways, it looks like a futuristic, high-tech BMX bike sized for adults. Although there are quite a few stories of people slapping on BMX knobbies and taking their Birdies off-road, like the Jetstream, it's intended as a road bike. Conversely, there are Birdy fanatics around the world who mod the bike to be as light as possible. The current record is at 18 pounds, which is quite impressive for any bike, let alone a folding one with full suspension.

Like most folding bikes, the Birdy arrives in a folded state. As you unfold it for the first time, you appreciate the incredible design of the bike. Folding is equally cool: the rear suspension swingarm folds forwards nearly automatically as you lift up the bike. As it approaches the front of the bike, the swingarm's hinge tilts slightly to the side, and somehow the rear tire, which was perfectly behind you while you were riding, is now tucked slightly to the left of the frame. The seatpost, when retracted into the body, perfectly blocks the swingarm and locks it into place.

The ride on the Birdy is firm, but absorbent. For some people, this is the ideal type of suspension: you only notice it when you're riding a bike that doesn't have it. We wouldn't mind a little more plushness, but it definitely does the job with the stock elastomers. R&M sell several versions of the elastomer and let you choose the ride quality tradeoff that you prefer, but we're not sure even the softest elastomer can provide the travel and plushness that a good air shock can.

The Birdy's Shimano Capreo drivetrain is competent and shifts reliably, and the gear choices are appropriate for a road bike. The v-brakes, while solid, are not as grabby as the Jetstream's set; this can be altered, of course, by using a different set of brake pads.

Folding the Birdy is actually incredibly fast: after the first few times we've been able to fold it in twelve seconds without rushing. You can even fold it without getting your hands dirty by using your foot for the front wheel fold.

There is one issue with the way the Birdy folds, however. You need to put it into the highest gear before you fold it. We've found that putting it into the second-highest gear works even better as the derailleur is more tucked-in, but either one works. The problem is that the highest gear is most likely the gear you don't want when you arrive at your destination and start riding from a standstill. As a result, there's a lot of pointless shifting up and down as you fold and unfold the bike. It's not a dealbreaker, but there are definitely days when you're late for the train and you forget to put it in high gear as you approach the station.

Life is full of tradeoffs, and this is the Birdy's tradeoff. By avoiding a frame hinge like the plague, Riese and Muller (the German design duo) did an amazing job in re-using the suspension hinges of the bike to allow folding. The bike, of course, still has pivots for the suspension, but the weight of the rider is exerted in the same plane as the pivot's folding plane. In the words of some Birdy owners, the forces exerted by the rider help hold the bike together rather than try to tear it apart as with a frame hinge bike.

Over the years, Riese und Muller (the company) have sold tens of thousands of Birdies, and reports of catastrophic Birdy frame failure are extremely rare. That's a reassuring thing, but the tradeoff of having no frame hinge is that the drivetrain takes part when the thing folds. As a result, you need to remember to shift the damn thing to high gear before you fold. The bike won't explode or burst into flames if you don't, but there's a higher chance of minor annoyances like the chain falling off if you forget to do it.

Overall, we love the Birdy. It's like owning a piece of art, and the performance is excellent, as well. We actually prefer the unfolding process of the Birdy to the Dahons as it uses gravity to help you unfold, but the requisite gear-change is a bit unfortunate.

Given a choice of all the bikes we've reviewed, it would come down to the Jetstream or the Birdy. The Birdy is an exceptional bike, but at nearly twice the price of the Jetstream, it really depends on how it fits into a particular budget. There is a more affordable Birdy 1 which does not use the Monocoque frame and starts at a very reasonable $999, but the component choice is somewhat inferior and the older tubular frame design, while solid and proven, is not quite as stiff nor as awe-inspiring as the Monocoque frame.

In the end, $999 for a Jetstream or $1700 for a Birdy is probably money well spent if you're going to ride it instead of driving a pollution-spewing car or truck. You'll be doing your part for the ecosystem, and getting exercise at the same time. Considering that opting for an in-dash GPS system, moonroof, or leather interior for your car will often cost you as much as one of these bikes, the bike sure seems to be the better option to stash in your car (or home).

Pros:
Peerless design and construction quality
Excellent performance, on and off-road
Stiff, no-excuses frame
Interchangeable elastomers allow adjustment for both front and rear suspension
Nimble and light at 24 lbs

Cons:
$1700
Suspension has shorter travel and is not as plush as the Jetstream's
Requires shifting into high gear before folding

Other observations:
Try shifting into the second-highest gear for a slightly smaller fold
The Expedition Rack for the Birdy is solid and folds automatically with the bike
Birdy bikes with hub gears, sold in some regions, do not need to be shifted before folding; in general, we prefer the performance of cog gears over hub gears
With the adjustable-height handlebars, make sure to tighten the quick releases sufficiently

Coming soon: The best of the rest.

Raw Review: Brunton's Cutting Edge Solaris Solar Panels

RawEco Staff — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0400

This article is solar powered.

It was written from a laptop powered by one of Brunton's mind-bending Solaris solar panels: foldable, flexible, and incredibly portable. In this particular case, it's flowing to a Brunton Solo 15, which, in turn, is charging this laptop.

The particular Solaris model we're previewing is a Solaris 26, which is capable of outputting 26 watts of power using cutting-edge CIGS technology. CIGS is the new flexible panel technology that recently set a 20% efficiency record for thin-film panels. 26 watts won't power your air conditioner, but it's enough juice to completely light up two or three standard CFL light bulbs.

Brunton, which has a history of putting out portable solar panels, has really outdone themselves in the new Solaris models. The Solaris 26, for example, folds into a packet with the footprint of a sheet of paper and about an inch thick. The panel is water resistant and highly flexible, with a smooth nylon coating encasing it. We've tested it charging laptops and batteries, and it easily handled the task, even in the shade.

We'll post an update shortly describing the new Solo. In the meantime, we're going to go enjoy the sunshine.

RawSolar (no relation) demos inexpensive solar thermal dish

RawEco Staff — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:41:00 -0400

Researchers at MIT have demonstrated a relatively simple solar thermal dish that uses parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a tube filled with water. This water is heated and the energy from the water can be extracted for heat or electricity.

The main innovation here appears to be the low-cost nature of the dish. The student team determined that a smaller dish (or an array of smaller dishes) doesn't demand an enormous support structure and therefore allows adopters to lower deployment costs.

The MIT-based group have started a company, RawSolar, to leverage their technology. The dish design is interesting, and protected by patents, but due to the relatively low-tech nature of the project, we anticipate several clones of the design in the future if it really is indeed the solar efficiency leader. We wish them the best of luck!

Mythbusters destroy the "electric vehicles are slow" myth

RawEco Staff — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:53:00 -0400

Here's a great interview with Mythbusters's Jamie Hyneman giving some behind-the-scenes information on the episode.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4264025.html?series=19

It's too bad that Tesla decided to chicken out on this comparison, as it would be interesting to see the Roadster in the quarter mile and also get some well deserved publicity.

The most interesting part is how Jamie describes these electric vehicles as incredibly simple to build, and compares them to oversized remote-controlled cars (not of the glowplug variety, of course). He says he fully plans on building one, and expects it to take only a week or two.

USA Today's sobering mercury map

RawEco Staff — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:45:00 -0400

It's no secret that coal-fired power plants, along with other human activities, emit an enormous amount of mercury into the air.

This map shows where much of the mercury rains down on the US. It's too bad it doesn't cover Alaska and Hawaii, as well, not to mention the rest of the world.

On the right side of the page, you can select specific states and see various food-related warnings. Though it's largely limited to fish that are not recommended for consumption, mercury content has a host of negative health effects for all living things.

As an editorial note, the authors of this map were very careful to state that mercury in the air can be from natural causes like volcanic eruptions. This is true, but it seems highly unlikely that the skyrocketing levels are due to natural causes if the levels are 10-20 times higher than "pre-industrial" levels. For example, there haven't been 10-20 times more volcanic eruptions in the 1900's compared to the 1800's.

In other words, our industrial civilization is to blame.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-10-30-where-mercury-falls_N.htm

Project Better Place shows off working Renault Pure Electric Car

RawEco Staff — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:52:00 -0400

Project Better Place, located in California, recently showed off a working prototype of a pure electric Renault/Nissan car in Tel Aviv.

This is pretty exciting news, as Project Better Place seeks to supplant oil-based cars in the next few years in Israel and Denmark. It's an exciting step forward, especially in Denmark, where the cars will be largely charged by wind generated electric power.

We applaud the more rational choice of making the car a four-door, five seater sedan (though a five-door hatch or wagon would be even more useful to more people). It's a bit unfortunate that the "other" electric car, the Tesla, is based on one of the smallest, most impractical forms possible; didn't anyone tell them that you can have high performance with four seats? Just look at cars like the Mazda RX-8 and BMW 135i. Replace those gas-guzzling engines with an electric drivetrain and you're ready to haul four asses at high speed. Ah, well. We still love the Tesla.

One-Stop Toxic Plastics Guide

RawEco Staff — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:33:00 -0400

There's been some talk lately of toxic compounds in plastics that are often used for drinking and baby bottles. We'll keep this page updated with new information as it becomes available.

Several people have been asking us what we recommend as reusable drinking bottles, and there are good choices depending on what you need. Glass bottles have always been our favorite for pure, unflavored water. Re-using a purchased bottle of mineral water means that it also costs less than $4. Being made for retail shipping and handling, they are surprisingly durable, but of course they will shatter if you drop them on concrete or hard tile.

That being said, we can't remember the last time we've dropped a plastic bottle from height, either. The caps of glass bottles are often made of plastic or aluminum, which isn't ideal, but at least the water usually doesn't sit around in contact with the cap. There are also stainless canteens made by several companies; they seem decent choices, as well, but we definitely prefer the taste of glass-bottled water. For infants, a stainless bottle, or at least a glass bottle with some cushioning around it, may be a better bet.

Here is the list of household plastics:

Commonly known as: PC, Lexan, Polycarbonate, Nalgene (misnomer) Properties: Rigid, can be transparent, melts at higher temperatures, used for sunglasses, CDs, re-usable drinking bottles, water cooler bottles Known risks: BPA: carciogen, endocrine disruptor

Commonly known as: Polyethylene, HDPE, PETE Properties: Can be flexible or rigid, depending on thickness and type Known risks: Antimony: PETE leaches this highly toxic compound into water, especially in hot weather.

Commonly known as: Polypropylene, PP Properties: Opaque plastic, sometimes used for cutting boards and water filter vessels. Known risks: We're having difficulty finding specific information. Contact us if you have research links in peer-reviewed publications.

Commonly known as: Copolyester, Tritan Properties: Rigid, can be transparent, used for re-usable drinking bottles Known risks: This is the new kid on the block, and the reusable water bottle makers, finally acknowledging the toxic effects of polycarbonate, are jumping all over it. It's specifically advertised as "bisphenol-A free", but you can bet it contains a boatload of other chemicals with side effects that are yet unknown. Remember, it took decades to uncover the toxic effects of polycarbonate/Lexan.

We find it a bit amusing, and probably more the work of Eastman's marketing department, that its main claim to fame is being free of a specific chemical, bisphenol-A. It's a bit like saying "this gasoline is lead-free!" Even being lead-free, gasoline is still one of the nastiest concoctions around, and just saying it's lead free doesn't mean we're ready to go and drink it or pour it into the earth.

Happy Earth Day!

RawEco Staff — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:20:00 -0400

Alrighty, folks, you've heard the saying "make every day Earth Day", but really, it's true. Being slightly more environmental all year long is usually more effective than being extremely eco-conscious for just 1/365th of a year.

That being said, it's great that Earth Day has become an international event for eco-consciousness and activism. Cheers to our planet.

Space Heaters Raw Review Comparison Test

RawEco Staff — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:50:00 -0400

Space heaters... As winter comes to an end, this may not be the hottest topic on your mind.

However, as winter gear is discounted by retailers, it's a great time to pick one up. You know you'll need it again in less than a year, anyways :) Even accounting for the time value of money, picking up a space heater is a good deal at the hefty discounts most retailers are advertising for winter goods now.

More importantly, it's a good way to reduce your energy consumption. Electric space heaters obviously consume power, but because you choose which rooms they heat instead of using central heat, they can reduce your heating bill by 80% or more.

We've done a concise raw review of several models, and there were some clear winners:

Top Pick: Vornado Metal TVH500

Pros: Remote control Extremely effective at heating Two power levels Works as a fan in the summer High-end all-metal construction Two-stage thermostat

Cons: Fan makes a bit of noise High end price

Honorable Mention: Holmes Micathermic Radiator

Pros: Completely silent Two-stage thermostat

Cons: Slow Expensive No remote

Not Recommended: DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator TRN0812T : test sample emitted noxious burning oil smell for over 48 hours

Presto Heatdish : primitive single-stage thermostat means this heater will sometimes turn on and off several times per minute, potentially harming computers and electronics.

Delonghi Convection Heater HS15F : test sample emitted high pitched shrieking sound when operating. Otherwise, a good choice.

Raw Review Roundup! Folding Bikes and Scooters

RawEco Staff — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:45:00 -0500

Howdy folks, we've been gearing up and accumulating test miles on our fleet of "gap transportation" in preparation for the good weather up here in the northern hemisphere.

The review is looking pretty complete: we have our trademark and extremely detailed raw reviews on rides like the new Dahon Mu P8, the REI Novara Buzz Flyby folding bike, the high-tech Ross Motors 2000XR, the elite Riese und Muller Birdy 2 Monocoque, the affordable Schwinn Stealth scooter, the Bladez 450 electric scooter and a very rare appearance from the endangered Riese und Muller Frog.

Dahon is a big name in folding bikes, and we're very happy to report that they will be participating with the new Mu P8. As far as we know, this will be the first official review of the hot new ride. We'll update here when it arrives. We'll also be reviewing the new Jetstream P8 when it's available later this year.

Brompton is across the pond, so we'll need to give them some time. We'll update here as things change. Stay tuned for the review this Spring!

From Businessweek: Green you with one hand, Kill the planet with the other

RawEco Staff — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:00:00 -0500

An interesting article from BusinessWeek, it describes how several large US corporations are trying to have their cake and eat it, too.

Apparently, it's cheaper in many cases to spend PR and advertising money on appearing green to the unsuspecting public than it is to actually take action.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/0809/b4073000596425.htm?campaignid=rss_daily

Mitsubishi pure electric 4-door EV for under $25,000? Only if you sign this petition

RawEco Staff — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:05:00 -0500

As consumers have learned, the Internet has given the little guy a newfound voice when it comes to having dialogs with producers.

Mitsubishi has an i-MiEV electric car that has a 100 mile range and costs about the same as a foreign-oil-burning Prius or Civic Hybrid. The only problem is that they aren't sure about selling it in America. Perhaps its our multitude of F-150's and Hummers that makes them think we're not a suitable market?

Convince them otherwise by signing this petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/iMiEV/petition.html

Tesla Roadsters are nice, but at $100,000 for two seats, they are more of a proof of concept than a real answer to fossil fuel consuption and climate change. This i-MiEV four-door is perhaps a better answer.

Congress bans inefficient incandescent light bulbs

RawEco Staff — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:53:00 -0500

Hell, it's about time :)

Although most consumers today will point to the compact fluorescents (CFL) bulb as the heir apparent, here at RawEco we're doubling down on the LED (light emitting diode) as the future of light.

With lightbulbs consuming the lion's share of electricity in homes, this is a VERY big deal. LEDs are impervious to normal shock, are relatively toxin-free (CFL bulbs have mercury in every bite) and don't flicker when given a steady flow of power.

Cree, Seoul Semiconductor, and, of course, Philips Lumileds have been rocking the scene with their X-Lamp, P4 and Luxeon brands for years now. Those in the know will recognize the exceptional light output of the highest performing Cree, SSC and Luxeon Rebel LEDs. Now, the tough part is getting the price down (each high-end emitter costs upwards of $5 in quantity) and increasing total light output. In other words, they make an incredible amount of light per watt, but they can't handle enough watts... yet.

This means that LEDs have already started dominating the high-end portable light category; flashlights pack one or more emitter to make upwards of 200-700 lumens. That's in the same ballpark as a regular indoor lightbulb, but the prices need to come down in order to compete with their toxic fluorescents brothers.

Raw Review Part 1: Roth Motors/Go Sportinggoods 2000XR with LiFePO4 nanophosphate lithium-ion batteries

RawEco Staff — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 19:19:00 -0500

Being stuck in mass-transit-lite California, getting around without spewing several metric tons of CO2 is not especially easy.

That's where fun rides like the Roth Motors 2000XR scooter come in handy. The idea behind this stylish, two-wheeled scooter is that it provides enough power and range to get you to nearby places, or the range to get you from your mass transit drop point to your final destination.

We currently have several such vehicles in our corral, awaiting their own Raw Review: a cheap but plush Schwinn Stealth 1000 electric scooter, a stunning Riese und Muller Birdy 2 Monocoque folding (and hinge-free) full-suspension bike, and a Bladez electric scooter. Also waiting in the wings is a green (literally) Toyota Camry Hybrid review.

Today, we're talking about one that uses cutting-edge battery technology to get you safely and quickly to your destination. There's been much hoopla about GM's new Volt plug-in hybrid, and one of their potential battery suppliers are the folks at A123Systems. The offshoot of work by the acclaimed Professor Yet-Ming Chiang of MIT, A123Systems uses nanoparticles to improve the safety of their batteries and to help prevent "Dell incidents" that were caused by faulty battery cells manufactured by Sony. Along the way, the batteries lose a bit of capacity, but they also vastly improve higher recharge life cycles and higher safe drain rates. In other words, they batteries will last for years, and also can give you the power you need without blowing you up.

While these cells have been utilized in DeWalt's highest-end cordless tools, as far as we know, this is the first mass-produced application of these batteries in a vehicle.

Our specimen arrived in a large rectangular cardboard box with a recycled paper inner tray that holds the scooter itself. There's no assembly to speak of: fold the vertical steering shaft up and insert the handlebars. Flip the power switch and pull dat trigger-style throttle, fool!

At that point, nothing happens. The 2000XR requires that you first kick-start the scooter to a low speed before the electronics will allow the motors to propel you. Roth reps note that this is a safety feature, as well as a convenient way to improve range. While this seems reasonable, it does eliminate the possibility of use by handicapped or injured customers. Calves super sore from too much time shooting hoops? Not for you. Some days, you just want to hit the throttle and have something do the work for you.

Once you get going, the 2000XR does its work quietly and with good power. It's not completely silent like the late Tidalforce bikes, but it's not obnoxiously loud as with some other electric scooters. On smoother surfaces, such as recently paved roads, this board is truly excellent. You can kick with your foot to propel it, and it feels much like a normal kick scooter (perhaps one with a slightly-dragging brake or worn bearing). Squeeze (don't pull) the trigger, and it takes off to a very reasonable speed. Spec junkies may note the top speed of 15 MPH, but it seems appropriate given the small wheels.

On rough pavement, the 2000XR is a bit of a mixed bag. The first day of testing, testers reported that the steering seemed a bit squirrely and odd; perhaps that had something to do with how the steering arms are located behind the front axle. Either way, those complaints evaporated the second day of riding. It seems reasonable to expect a bit of adjustment since most first-time bicycle riders are also probably a bit uncomfortable.

The front suspension seemed effective; we've never tested older Roth Motors/Go Sportinggoods scooters, but we assume the dense rubber foam padding under the deck helps, as well.

Coming Soon: Raw Review Part 2: Commuting, genius details, photo gallery and the innards of the beast

Check out the official site here: http://www.rothmotors.com

GM peon bemoans potential extinction of $100,000, 620 Horsepower cars, others bemoan potential extinction of human species.

RawEco Staff — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:56:00 -0500

"High-performance vehicles such as this may actually be legislated out of existence," Tadge Juechter, GM engineer, bemoans.

"Highly habitable planets such as this may actually be destroyed out of human stupidity," RawEco writers note.

If the regular 400 HP Corvette is truly not fast enough for you, here's a crazy idea: keep making your gas guzzling ZR-1 Corvettes and stop selling Hummer H2 SUVs, Suburbans and Tahoes. Oh, right, you're only saying this to put a dramatic spin on CAFE regulations that GM opposes (big surprise, from the people who also brought you the death of LA's Red Car mass transit system and the EV1. We're waiting to see if/how they deliver the Volt.) Keep in mind this is total BS. We're not opposed to having 4-wheeled fun, but idiotic statements like Tadge's really seem myopic and represent GM poorly.

Mourn the loss of $100,000 gas guzzlers here: http://www.kansascity.com/382/story/411332.html

Send GM and Tadge your love here:

General Motors Corporation
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170

Porsche Working Connections in Washington To Avoid Fuel Economy Standards

RawEco Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:03:00 -0500

Right on cue, as they shill their so-called "hybrid" Porsche from the previous centuries, Porsche goons have descended on Capitol Hill to petition a change in CAFE standard calculation rules to allow it to avoid being regulated by the standard.

Shame on you. Dr. Porsche is rolling over in his grave.

Porsche claims world's first hybrid: 1899. Not much progress from them since then...

RawEco Staff — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:11:00 -0500

Here's an interessting tidbit: Porsche is claiming that their very own Dr. Ferdinand Porsche invented a line of "green" cars known as Lohner-Porsches.

Today, Porsche offers a full line of... um... gas guzzlers. Unfortunately for the planet, he apparently didn't pursue the idea very far.

Inaccuracies Aplenty in BusinessWeek Hybrid Vehicle Article

RawEco Staff — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:57:00 -0500

BusinessWeek recently published an article "Is GM's Green Tech Better Than Toyota's?"

Here at RawEco, we believe that hybrids are simply a gas saving measure that are really just a stepping stone to a fully fossil-fuel-free transportation system that involves battery/capacitor electric cars and solar or wind-generated electricity. We really aren't partial to Toyota, Honda or GM in terms of their current halfway technology.

However, we are partial to accurate reporting.

The article claims: "The advantage of GM's so-called two-mode system, points out GM's Larry Nitz, who has headed the automaker's venture with the other three companies, is that the engine speed remains constant when the gears of the vehicle are changing. This is extremely important in the performance of a pickup or SUV when it is carrying loads or going uphill. The power is sent to the wheels mechanically through a series of clutches and gears. In a conventional hybrid, such as Toyota's, power is sent to the wheels electrically, which is less effective for bigger vehicles."

This is a very odd statement. First of all, Toyota's Prius/Camry hybrid systems use a CVT transmission along with multiple electic motors/generators. By definition, a CVT can maintain engine RPMs at a constant rate while vehicle speed varies. So the statement "The advantage of GM's so-called two-mode system... is that the engine speed remains constant when the gears of the vehicle are changing" is not only inaccurate, but misrepresenting Toyota's Synergy system.

Furthermore, the second statement "In a conventional hybrid, such as Toyota's, power is sent to the wheels electrically, which is less effective for bigger vehicles" is simply absurd. Perhaps this journalist is not aware of modern locomotives or subway systems. Modern diesel-electric locomotives can best be described as "series hybrids" like GM's upcoming Volt. Here, a massive diesel generator creates electricity which is used to power electric motors. It seems that the electric motors do just fine hauling 12,000,000 pounds of freight. In fact, according to the all-knowing wikipedia: "As is the case with any vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, diesel locomotives require some type of power transmission system to couple the output of the prime mover to the driving wheels. In the early days of diesel railroad propulsion development, electric, hydraulic and mechanical power transmission systems were all employed with varying degrees of success. Of the three, electric transmission proved to be most practical, and, except for some diesel-hydraulic locomotives manufactured for lower power applications, nearly all modern Diesel-powered locomotives are diesel-electric."

Similarly, subway systems are pure-electric drive, and, last we checked, can easily haul more than a gas guzzling BMW or GM Suburban.

Another fake consumer group: Americans for Balanced Energy Choices. Get ready for a laugh!

RawEco Staff — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:58:00 -0400

Here's some nice coal industry propaganda that we came across:

"Did you know that half of the electricity that heats our homes, lights our schools, and powers our businesses comes from coal?"
Yeah, I'd say that's the problem. :)

Here is some fun facts from their FAQ with our comments [in brackets]:

I saw an ad that said coal plants are now 70% cleaner than they were in the 1970s. Is that really true?

It is true! [in cheesy voice, "Why, I'm glad you asked!!"]

The calculations are based on five pollutants: carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.
Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculates environmental performance per unit of energy produced. That is, the relationship of emissions per billion kilowatt-hours.
From 1970 to 2000, the value for that ratio fell from 30,510 short tons per billion kilowatt-hours to just 8,040 short tons per billion kilowatt-hours — a reduction of 73.66%.

[This one is our favorite: it's kind of like asking, "Why is it better to get beaten by clubs rather than being tortured and then being beaten by clubs?" Either way, you're dead. Kind of like coal and oil.]

Why is coal a better answer to our energy needs than oil?

Put simply, America has more coal than any other fossil fuel resource. In fact, 38 states have large coal deposits. Our abundant supply means that we do not have to rely on foreign imports from politically volatile parts of the world.
In addition, coal accounts for half of our domestic electricity usage, while oil contributes to just 3% of our needs.

There's a saying that the stone age didn't end because we ran out of stones. It can be interpreted many ways (and is sometimes credited to a former OPEC executive), but the way we see it here is: yes, America has a lot of coal. We also have a lot of mercury deposits. Having a lot doesn't mean we should go dig it up and burn it. These fake consumer groups (like those at those fake Consumer Choice groups paid for by junk food companies) push these clean images and fake faqs, but in reality, they'll be remembered as con artists and frauds.

It's funny that the only industry they can claim they are better than is the oil industry. It's sort of like saying you came in second to last. You still suck.

There's simply no way to burn hydrocarbons and make electricity cleaner than methods that rely on existing energy sources like the sun. So just give it up, people. You're not fooling anyone, and you're holding up the train.

Honda CEO bashes plug-in hybrids

RawEco Staff — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:07:00 -0400

Honda's CEO recently went on record to bash GM's new Volt and essentially any car that allows you to charge its drive batteries through a wall socket.

It's a little sad to see this style of old thinking from a car company that supposedly embraces green technology. Here at RawEco, we believe that a "green car company" is an oxymoron; there's no car company today, Tesla included, that is truly ecologically sound, and it's probably because it's difficult to put together several thousand pounds of metal and make a profit without cutting many ecological corners. "Green" cars aren't ecological; they are simply somewhat less damaging that other cars.

That being said, Honda's approach to the hybrid is significantly more conservative than Toyota's; the Honda hybrid system can be accurately described as a "mild hybrid", having a starter motor on steroids wired to a large NiMH battery pack, whereas Toyota's is a parallel (or full hybrid), capable of running entirely on electricity. Up till now, the main stumbling block is that the battery pack in hybrids have been too wimpy to push the car more than a mile or two, and the drive motors aren't geared to allow speeds higher than 25 mph.

In short, while Honda calls itself a green car company, in reality it is quite conservative in its technological approach to reducing its cars' ecological damage. Honda's fuel cell work has been garnering attention, but with the promising new generation of batteries, Honda probably fears millions of dollars of fuel cell research going down the tubes.

The easiest way to combat that is through bad press of its competitors.

Fearing the new and hanging onto the old is a sure fire way to allow upstarts like Tesla to dethrone old establishments, so, in a sense, we welcome Honda's old-school thinking.

CNN's Planet in Peril: Interesting, but does America get off too easily?

RawEco Staff — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:26:00 -0400

The first impression we got when watching CNN's Planet in Peril is that they actually spent some time and money to fly their staff around to cover some hot topics in ecological news.

The second impression is that they let America off a bit too easily. Sure, Madagascar, Thailand and China are destroying the earth, but America has saved the wolves in Yellowstone! Okay, so it's not that one sided, but it certainly didn't discuss our shortcomings, such as how Americans consume more energy per capita than any other country on the planet.

While it's laudable that they are trying to cover this type of news instead of yet another embedded reporter in the Middle East, there should be less finger pointing and more calls to action here at home.

The segment on Houston's atrocious Ship Channel was a refreshing exception, though the blame isn't exactly squarely in the face of ExxonMobil or other operations in the area.

Perhaps that's because Planet in Peril was sponsored directly by ConocoPhillips and BMW?

It's difficult to say if you can produce an unbiased documentary when your bills are paid by one of the largest oil companies in the world, and a car manufacturer that encourages its drivers to "own the road, but leave a little for the others".

One-of-a-kind Pure Electric Smart-For-Two Smart Car. At Sam's Club?

RawEco Staff — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:01:00 -0400

Hybrid Technologies is selling a unique Smart car that has been amped up to be a pure electric. In the process, the car has become a lot smoother, nearly completely silent in terms of motor noise, and a lot faster: 0-60 arrives in a sport-compact class of 7.1 seconds with massive torque.

Oddly enough, this car is being sold at Sam's Club. Here it is in their words:

"Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist. Travel to work in an almost silent car, passing gas stations, enjoying your favorite music, in a fully climate controlled, 100% electric car at 70 miles per hour. You can now own a true technological marvel and see how battery technology developed for the space program can power you through a city and help to save a planet. Hybrid Technologies® and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex® have teamed up to offer this unique Once-In-A-Lifetime package.

Hybrid Technologies starts with a smart fortwo® and “amps up” the car by removing the gasoline engine and replacing the fossil fuel systems with a Lithium Ion Electric Drive system. You will receive the only STS 128 to be built by Hybrid Technologies.

You have a range of over 100 miles and if you need fuel you don’t panic you just plug in. Hybrid Technologies developed space based battery technology into a 100% electric car. The Hybrid Technologies Smart fortwo is changing the way people think about commuting.

The Package includes a Once-In-A-Lifetime experience where you will strap in for a day of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the gateway to NASA’s launch headquarters and one of Central Florida’s most popular destinations. Get vertical on the new Shuttle Launch Experience to discover the sights, sounds and sensations of launching into space and participate in ATXSM-Astronaut Training ExperienceSM accompanied by a former astronaut. Be prepared for an inspiring experience with tours venturing into NASA’s spaceport facilities, towering rockets and IMAX® space films. Top off the visit with a viewing opportunity of a Space Shuttle launch from a premium viewing area location, including Lunch with an Astronaut on that day.

The new Shuttle Launch Experience is an incredible journey of launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the Space Shuttle. Guest “crew members” strap in for this all-too-real simulation, which immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and feelings of a Space Shuttle launch, designed under the guidance of NASA and veteran Space Shuttle astronauts. The launch experience in the one-of-a-kind custom-designed crew cabin culminates with a breath-taking view of Earth from space.

The journey begins as crew members enter the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility, an ominous structure architecturally consistent with Space Shuttle facilities at Kennedy Space Center. As crew members ascend along the gantry, astronaut testimonials set the stage for what is to come. Entering the heart of Space Shuttle operations for the pre-launch briefing, crew members are guided by veteran Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden as he takes them step-by-step through the launch sequence. Passengers then enter the crew cabin in the Space Shuttle’s payload bay and strap in for launch. For the next five minutes, the cabin’s 44 passengers see, feel and live the powerful journey to 17,500 mph. The payload bay doors open, to reveal a breathtaking view of Earth seldom seen in the first person. After this experience, visitors will never view a launch in the same way.

ATXSM-Astronaut Training ExperienceSM As the Space Shuttle program aspires to complete construction of the International Space Station in the next few years, guests at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex have a chance of their own to train like an astronaut at ATXSM-Astronaut Training ExperienceSM. Developed with input from veteran NASA astronauts, the hands-on, heads-engaged day-long program includes an orientation and mission briefing by a member of the U.S. astronaut corps, true-to-training simulator exercises, access into rarely-seen areas of Kennedy Space Center and the culmination of the training: A team-oriented Space Shuttle “mission.”

After a mission briefing by the astronaut, crew members, as all participants are called, embark upon a variety of exercises that prepare astronauts for the rigors of space flight, including the 1/6th gravity chair and the multi-axis trainer.

The 1/6th gravity chair incorporates springs and pulleys to create the true-to-life feeling of walking on the moon. For those interested in the sensation of hurtling through space, ATX offers the MAT, or multi-axis trainer simulator, a centrifuge-like device that randomly spins and twirls its occupant in multiple directions and through 360º revolutions.

The day concludes with the main event: A simulated Space Shuttle mission in which participants work as a team to execute a high-earth orbit to rendezvous, dock with and perform critical repair work on the International Space Station. Each crew member is assigned a specific role by program trainers (mission commander, pilot, mission specialist, mission control officer, and so forth) and based on the assignment, proceeds to a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up or takes the helm in a realistically outfitted mission control room. At the Zero-G wall, mission specialists are outfitted with harnesses and customized weights, which allow them to climb and descend the wall in an almost effortless state as they work on the International Space Station.

From countdown to liftoff to mission, the intensity of the exercise is palpable and offers a realistic look at what astronauts and mission control achieve together every time NASA launches a manned mission.

Launch viewing opportunity and Lunch with an Astronaut To prepare you for launch, hear from a NASA astronaut at Lunch with an Astronaut. As the most visible symbol of the American space program —and as its de facto ambassadors — astronauts hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the public. It’s no wonder, then, that one of the most popular Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex programs is Lunch With an Astronaut, a one-of-a-kind experience available only at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Conducted daily and multiple times on Space Shuttle launch days, the distinctive sessions offer an up-close-and-personal opportunity to meet with a bona fide member of NASA’s astronaut corps. In the process, guests vicariously share in the excitement of space exploration through presentations that are thoughtful, entertaining and oftentimes amusing. Likewise, the program provides astronauts with the occasion to share the importance of NASA’s mission with the world.

Then, board a bus to a premium Space Shuttle launch viewing opportunity area within six miles of the launch pad. As the Space Shuttle lifts off, hear the rumble and feel the vibrations of the Shuttle’s main engines and solid rocket boosters as the Shuttle races to space. From countdown to lift-off, there’s nothing quite like an authentic Space Shuttle launch!

Your time on the Space Coast will be a truly unique experience from the moment you check into your condo at the La Cita Golf and Country Club. The La Cita Club is an exquisite location offering luxury accommodations, full resort services and truly exceptional golf, tennis, and spa. The Course at La Cita is challenging for the advanced golfer, but workable by recreational players. Both the club house and fairways are picturesque providing a balance of challenge and beauty. You and your guests will be given full privileges including two rounds of golf for your party of four, swing training by a golf pro, Spa Treatment, access to amenities of the club, and a special dinner for four to celebrate your trip.

The Lithium Powered Electric Car Package Includes:

2007 Hybrid Technologies Lithium Powered smart fortwo.

Travel to and from Orlando, Florida.

Ground transportation to the “Space Cost”.

Five nights at La Cita Golf and Country Club.

Golf and resort privileges.

A trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center as a VIP Guest of the Visitor Complex.

VIP viewing opportunity for a Space Shuttle launch.

Private, guided tour of Kennedy Space Center.

Take part in the Astronaut Training ExperienceSM with a former astronaut.

Buckle into the Shuttle Launch Experience and learn how NASA brings technology down to Earth.

Travel Dates: February 13, 2008 returning February 18, 2008 "

Interesting stuff. If you visit Hybrid Technologies, you'll find that they have several other conversions.

Go Sporting Goods' 2000XR review is coming!

RawEco Staff — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:10:00 -0400

We've confirmed with Go Sporting Goods and an extensive review, complete with half pipe runs, BASE jumps and 720's, is being planned.

Well, everything aside from the extensive part.

Seriously, though, it will be very nuts and bolts, as you hopefully like it. Of particular interest, aside from the usual ride, speed, and build observations, is how Go managed to turn out the first mass-produced vehicle using the new generation of nano-techology-infused battery hotness.

Stay tuned!

DVD Review: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

RawEco Staff — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:28:00 -0400

If you told someone that wild parrots lived in San Francisco, the reaction you'd get would probably be one of surprise or disbelief. Those familiar with the city probably wouldn't describe the climate as especially tropical, and yet these birds have adapted and flourished in the foggy concrete jungle.

With the recent spate of high budget and high impact documentaries, it's easy to overlook or even dismiss a film about a flock of wild parrots. As with many things, however, the story runs much deeper than first appears.

The pacing of the film is much like its human protagonist, Mark. Relaxed, calm, and yet surprisingly deliberate. It's a breath of fresh air in the land of sound bites, body counts, and overwrought transforming robots.

Though the beginning of the film spends quite some time on the birds' companion, Mark Bittner, his life journey is quite interesting and in a way, not dissimilar to the struggles that these wild animals had to endure.

There's also the story of Conner, the Blue Crowned Conure who flies with the Red heads because he's the only one of his kind around. Conner is forced to wait until the rest of the flock finishes eating because he is different; you could say it's because of his color, among other things. Some people aren't so different from animals, at least in this sense.

Conner is also interesting in that he is the champion of the flock's downtrodden. He protects Red heads that are injured or ill, and he even has befriended and fed smaller parakeets that have joined the flock. As Mark noted: "He feels kingly to me, but he's like a serf in this walk."

This film debuted some time ago, but the DVD has many special segments that weren't shown in theaters. Highly recommended is the "Flock Origins" deleted scene, although nearly all of the extra scenes are worthwhile.

There are some questions that arise with the accidental introduction of parrots in San Francisco, though there are several other flocks around the United States that have originated from escaped wild birds. It seems that, if one were to protest something, focusing efforts on eliminating black market importation of animals would be more worthwhile than trying to capture and kill the existing flocks of these birds, as some have proposed. With an estimated 80% death rate from capture to sale, the loss of life is far greater than appears in our sanitized pet shops.

In the end, one of the messages of the film centers around choice, and letting living things make their own choices about how they want to live. It seems there are a few things we could learn from this flock.

Solar Powered Bike: real or vaporride?

RawEco Staff — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:54:00 -0400

Many people have heard of the impressive solar car races across Australia, but this is the first solar powered bike we've seen available for retail purchase. Or so it seems.

The original press release reads:

"SOLAR INGENUITY: THE E-V SUNNY SOLAR ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Canadian Entrepreneur, Peter Sandler, President of Therapy Products and Inventor of the E-V Sunny Bicycle developed the first all Solar electric bicycle driven completely from power derived from the Sun’s Rays.

The E-V Sunny Bicycle has light absorbing Solar panels built right into the Wheels, creating continual power from the Sun’s Rays, and maintaining a constant charge to the batteries. The bike is propelled by a 500 watt front hub motor.

The variable speed electronic controller drives the bike to speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. Overall weight of the bicycle is 75 lbs. and comes with 17 amp hr. batteries and a built in battery charger.

Cost of the E-V Sunny Bicycle is $1295.00 and comes with a 90-day warrantee. The cost of the kit starts at $795.00, and the Company provides after sales servicing.

Orders are now being taken for delivery in September of 2006; contact the Company through their email at info@therapyproducts.com , Toll Free at # 1 800-567-9926 or their web site www.therapyproducts.com."

We're hoping the September 2006 date is a typo. Otherwise, it has somehow slipped under the radar for a whole year and otherwise hasn't made a splash.

We're in contact with the manufacturer to see if we can wrangle a kit into the SolarEthos office to mount on a pimp Cannondale chopper complete with banana seat. Stay tuned!

$2 per watt solar panels promised by AVA Solar

RawEco Staff — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:48:00 -0400

New low cost solar panels have been announced by AVA Solar in conjunction with Colorado State professor Walajabad Sampath. The new panels promise 12-16% efficiency at a price that is roughly half that of current solar cells.

12-16% efficiency isn't really at the cutting edge with new panel designs promising 40% and higher efficiencies. However, the key part here is that the cost per watt generated is much cheaper. For applications where surface area isn't really at a premium, this could be quite a price break. Rooftops and awning mounted panels might be candidates. Of course, if you're hoping to partially charge that plug-in electric car with a panel, waiting for one with higher efficiency might make sense since your car's roof, trunk and hood are only so big.

We're looking forward to learning what the final pricing will look like. The process promises low levels of manufacturing waste and high yields, but uses cadmium as a production material. Hopefully the cadmium will be safely enclosed in the panels to minimize the risk of exposure.

Mitsubishi's MiEV electric four-door car entering production?

RawEco Staff — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:29:00 -0400

Mitsubishi has had its share of ups and downs, but it may turn out to be one of the first major manufacturers to churn out a pure electric car in the new EV 2.0 era (yeah, we just made up that term. Perhaps.)

The MiEV is a small car, but it has the important traits of being able to hit typical highway speeds and having four doors. Two door cars will always have a place in some peoples' hearts, but for the rest of us, having four doors is pretty damn near necessary. The Tesla certainly has its place at the high end of electric cars, but it won't sell enough units at $90,000 each to really make a substantial impact in emissions and reducing ecological damage. We suppose you could consider the Tesla the banner carrier in the EV 2.0 age, with grunts like the MiEV actually doing the heavy lifting.

The MiEV's 100 mile range seems sufficient, and a high speed (and high voltage in the United States) charger gives it an 80% charge in 30 minutes. Not bad.

The multi-million dollar question is: how much? Another question: how safe? Cars like the Smart car have shown that safe and small need not be mutually exclusive adjectives, so hopefully Mitsubishi has done its homework here so that the car has been cooked up to ace all the requisite crash tests and comes with side-head airbags and electronic skid control.

Finally, there's the technical question of how well regenerative braking works in a car that's rear-wheel-drive. The engineers and physicists among you will point out that a top-heavy car has substantially more braking traction in its front wheels once the car's deceleration has begun in earnest. It might end up being a moot point, however, with current batteries only able to absorb a percentage of the total kinetic energy in a moving car which is rapidly braking; the rear tires may have enough traction to max out the batteries anyways. Now, where are those ultra-capacitors?

Here are their words:

Mitsubishi Motors builds new research EV, "i MiEV" for joint research with power companies

Tokyo, October 11 2006 -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has built a new research vehicle, the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV)*1 for a next-generation EV development project. The electric vehicle (EV) will be used for joint research programmes with power companies that have been working on the promotion of EVs. The power companies will conduct field tests, gather data and evaluate the commercial viability of the vehicle. MMC will provide power companies with EVs and analyse field test data collected by them.

The new research EV is based on MMC's "i" mini-car, and named "i MiEV". i MiEV is powered by a compact and lightweight motor and high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. After removing the i's combustion engine mounted on the platform with an original rear-midship layout, a single motor*2 is mounted in its place. i MiEV became electric-powered with few modifications of the body structure. In addition to the joint research programmes, MMC will further improve the components of i MiEV such as the battery system, motor and EV electronic control unit for the future commercial application.

(MMC will display i MiEV at the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition (EVS-22) at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama on October 23 - 28, 2006.)

MMC will begin joint research with Tokyo Electric Power Company, and The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc., in November 2006 and with Kyushu Electric Power Co., Ltd., in January 2007. MMC will provide each power company with i MiEVs. By testing i MiEV, the power companies will evaluate how the vehicle is applied to their business and how fast-charge infrastructure may be developed for EVs.

In the autumn of 2007, MMC will begin fleet testing in order to verify the vehicle's technical capabilities in daily use and to evaluate the commercial acceptance in collaboration with the power companies above along with, the Kansai Electric Power Co., Ltd., and Hokuriku Electric Power Company. MMC will provide the power companies with i MiEVs for the fleet tests. The data collected from the test of daily use shall be used to assess the commercial viability of EVs in the market place.

MMC takes environmental concerns seriously. Developing new environmental technologies and diversification of fuel sources are MMC's key challenges and the MiEV project is an approach to these. MMC is also working on other environmental technologies such as clean diesel engines and bio-fuel engines. On the social side, MMC launched a natural conservation project called the "Pajero Forest & Local Mountain Restoration Initiative", which supports conservation and management of Japan's forests.

*1 "MiEV" encompasses MMC's whole technological concept of lithium-ion battery, in-wheel motor and other technologies related to EV, hybrid electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicles. The MiEV concept is developed from MMC's former concept "Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle (MIEV)", referring to a lithium-ion battery/in-wheel motor-driven vehicle. MMC continues to develop in-wheel motor technology. *2 In this system a single electric motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.

i MiEV vehicle profile

i MiEV is the third EV of MMC's MiEV series. Based on the i minicar platform, i MiEV replaces the conventional engine and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, motor, inverter and other EV components in the rear-midship layout.

There are two main advantages of the rear-midship layout: increased cabin space and plenty of space for the EV power train. The layout enables the power-train to be placed in front of the rear axle line, which ensures ample cabin space for passengers (4-occupant capacity). It also provides ample space for battery storage, which could achieve the desired daily driving range of a number of customers. An on-board charger allows the vehicle to be changed ordinary electric outlets. In addition to the high practical values, i MiEV displays higher performance levels than the base model in some categories. For example, i MiEV shows stronger torque, quieter noise and less vibration, which are natural advantages of EVs.

Sanyo Eneloop Pack

RawEco Staff — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:10:00 -0400

Costco warehouses are selling a multi-pack of Sanyo Eneloop nickel-metal-hydride batteries that are a pretty good value. Eneloop batteries are rated for up to 1000 recharge cycles (though, as with any marketing claim, your mileage will vary) and pack 2000 mAH. 2000 mAH isn't groundbreaking when it comes to AA-sized NiMH batteries with some new cells packing 2700 mAH or more nowadays.

However, the Eneloop batteries come pre-charged. Being pre-charged is something of a convenience feature. The big plus is that the batteries retain their charge much longer than regular NiMH batteries. For example, within a few weeks, a typical NiMH can self-discharge to possibly less than 2000 mAH remaining. Over a few months the charge in that traditional NiMH can dwindle to less than 1000 mAH.

This means that Eneloop batteries are more suitable for long installation applications compared to old-school NiMH batteries. This includes devices like remote controls, emergency flashlights, LED bike tail-lights, cell phone emergency chargers/boosters, smoke detectors (though Sanyo has yet to release any sizes besides AA and AAA Eneloop cells).

The hard core folks at CandlePowerForums.com have also tested and found that Eneloop cells can withstand ridiculously high power drain applications remarkably well. This means they are also well suited to applications like digital cameras and flashes, high-power flashlights, and other high-tech toys.

In other words, there's no longer any reason to purchase throw-away batteries. That's something we all can celebrate.

Unless you happen to make money from throw-away batteries, that is.

While these batteries could theoretically replace 500-2000* non-rechargeables over their lifetime, we should note, however, that the production of NiMH batteries is not exactly an ecologically sound activity. Nickel production is often cited as a damaging process. Here's to hoping that future development in energy storage will yield better and more ecologically safe technology. A123Systems' nano-phosphate lithium-ion cells, for example, utilize other (still toxic) materials, but they claim to last for 3000 or more recharge cycles.

*Alkaline batteries have steeply sloped discharge curves. As a result, you may find that an alkaline battery, while not completely empty, doesn't deliver the voltage necessary to run your high-drain digital camera. As a result, a single set of NiMH batteries, which has a much flatter discharge curve, will often be able to run a camera longer than several sets of alkaline batteries. Therefore, NiMH batteries like the Eneloop may actually replace several sets of alkaline batteries *per charge cycle*, which means that through 1000 charge cycles, they have replaced 2000-3000 alkaline batteries.

Go Sportinggoods and their A123Systems-powered 2000XR Motorboard

RawEco Staff — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:35:00 -0400

This "scooter" looks incredibly similar to the $15 kick scooters you'll find in various discount stores. There's a big difference, though, and it's that it has a 750 watt pair of motors and a battery pack that uses the latest hotness from A123Systems nano-phosphate lithium-ion batteries.

One of the big problems with the huge electric scooters out there right now is that they are so high, they're pretty damn near impossible to kick with your feet. The other problem is that they weight about as much as a medium-sized dog. Carrying either one (the dog or the big scooter) onto mass transit can be a bit troublesome.

The 2000XR solves both of these problems by using a lightweight aluminum frame where most of the heavy boys use steel. They also eschew the inflated rubber tires which they claim reduce rolling efficiency. It's probably true, and by the time you inflate pneumatic tires up to 80 PSI, they don't offer much shock absorption, either. The small radius wheels, however, theoretically reduce rolling efficiency compared to a larger wheel of the same construction.

The other reason the 2000XR weighs less is that they use the new "safe" lithium ion cells made by A123Systems mentioned above. These cells claim to have 10x the number of recharge cycles of old school li-ion cells, and are reported to be much safer. If you've been following the recent spate of detonated Dell and Apple computers, you know that damaged or defective li-ion cells can "vent with flame".

The 2000XR is the latest in several generations of Go Motorboards. The original design was impressive, but the lack of any shock absorption left some buyers numb. Literally. There were also some complaints of electronic and hardware reliability issues. Things were improved with the 2000 revision, which included a compact front suspension system. The 2000XR should kick things up another notch.

We're trying to wrangle a 2000XR into the RawEco offices so that we can give you a detailed and uncooked review. Stay tuned!