PDX Transit

New Battery Powered Tram Charges in 60 Seconds

Bailey — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:28:47 +0000

More innovation from Japan… A new street car, powered by lithium battery, has been invented by the Railway Technical Research Institute in Kokubunji, Tokyo. The new transport is capable of speeds of 40 kph for 15 kilometers and can convert 70 percent of its deceleration energy into electricity which is then sent back to the battery which can recharge in under one minute.

You should also checkout the post on the Japan Hybrid Trains.

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Japan leads the way with Hybrid Trains

Bailey — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:05:59 +0000

Japan's JR East launched a hybrid train with lithium ion battery packs and regenerative braking earlier this year. Read this post from http://www.greencarcongress.com/ below.

"The New Energy Train cars use twin 95 kW electric motors (to deliver grade ability at the same level as that of a new model railcar), a 330 kW diesel engine powering a 180 kW generator and a 10 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The batteries are charged both by the generator and by regenerative braking."?

I wonder how much it would cost Tri-met to retrofit our trains to hybrid fuel.

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A Solar Powered Prius coming 2009?

Bailey — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:01:54 +0000

Rumour has it that the 2009 Toyota Prius will use solar panels to partialy power its instruments. Read more at http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/07/07/toyota-to-sell-solar-panel-equipped-prius-next-year/

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Volkswagen “Twin Drive” hybrid slated for 2010

Bailey — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:48:21 +0000

According to engadge, Volkswagen is planning to release a plug-in "Twin Drive" hybrid in 2010

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/

Why does it take the American automakers so long to do this?

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London’s Personal Rapid Transport system

Bailey — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:37:31 +0000

London's Heathrow Airport is set to install the world's first Personal Rapid Transport system. The PRT is a fleet of 18 driverless pods for business passengers flying out of Terminal Five, with installation scheduled to be complete in less than two years. Traveling at up to 25mph, the pods will ferry passengers rapidly between their cars and terminal check-in. The airport claims there will never be more than an 18 second wait, no delays due to congestion and no need to consort with the rest of the riff-raff from steerage. It's likely this new PRT system will be the first of many, as local governments seek to replace car use within city centers.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/industry-news/heathrow-to-get-worlds-first-personal-rapid-transport-system-335264.php

seek to replace car use within city centers.

Heathrow Terminal 5 PRT

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The Slow Demise of the SUV

Bailey — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:02:28 +0000

With gas prices continuing to skyrocket daily, more small cars are making their way to America. Of course, there are other reasons why these cars are more popular. "With rising gas prices and greater environmental awareness, demand for small cars is increasing."

Read the entire It's a small-car world article

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Measure your MPG with MyMileMaker

Bailey — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:07:47 +0000

Figure out your gas burn with MyMileMarker

http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9766797-2.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Webware

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$109K Telsa Electric Sportster Roll off the Lot

Bailey — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:59:59 +0000

If you've been waiting anxiously for Telsa to release the much anticipated electric roadster, wait no more. Even at a price tag of $109,000 the two seat eco-friendly, speed demons are in high demand from notables such as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The car has the performance to match its glitz, it "goes from 0 to 60 mph in just under four seconds and tops out at 125 mph" and can go 225 miles on one charge. Best of all it looks great, and can be fully recharged in just under 4 hours.

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Google Maps add Weather Channel Data

Bailey — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:57:20 +0000

Now you can view current weather conditions while planning your next trip with Google maps. Google has partnered with The Weather Channel to create a new interactive layers that overlay weather and radar information on top of Google Maps.

"To use the feature click on the Google Maps' My Maps tab and select The Weather Channel feature to begin exploring."

More details at PCWorld

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Ethanol may be a costly fuel alternative

Bailey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:32:34 +0000

Are we already over investing in ethanol production? According to some economists, a tank of ethanol is equivalent in cost to food for a year.

"Every day, it seems, corn ethanol gets a little less attractive. In fact, if the information in this article from the latest print edition of The Economist catches on, then ethanol advocates are going to have two more easy-to-remember absurditiies to defend: 1.) biofuels will use a third of the maize grown in the U.S. this year and 2.) filling "up an SUV's fuel tank with ethanol [uses] enough maize to feed a person for a year."

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