Alert the Media...EV's Can Reduce Oil Consumption

Wow, who knew...the usage of EV's can REDUCE need for oil. The article attached takes the debate on the need for both EVs and the reduction of heavy carbon fossil fuels to curb global climate change. That's likely true if you follow that logic but the headline is up there with "Study says teens like cell phones" which I saw about a year ago.

Welcome Back GE...

Well it's been awhile but GE is back in the EV game. Despite the fact that Edison was one of founders of the EV business the company took a hiatus for about 9 decades.

However they are now back in the game with the Watt Station EVSE, a partnership with Better Place on software and potential moves into batteries.

The EV movement needs the likes of a GE to help make it real. Thanks for joining the party.

This is not going to be popular...

Part of China's grand plan to own the EV space is to force foreign companies to divulge their secrets if you want access to the Chinese market. The manufacturers would be put into a joint venture with a local vendor but the local vendor would have 51% of the company.

While this is not a confirmed plan there is confirmation that the Chinese government is leaning this way. If so, interesting to see if manufacturers will ignore or delay introduction into China (as Toyota has with the Prius). No word on if the WTO will file a complaint against China if they go this route. Rest assure if they do a significant airing of grievances will take place.

Coda's Car Will Cost...

Drumroll please...the Coda car will cost you $44,900 (before the $12,500 you can get from the Feds and the state of CA). Factor that in and you are at $32,400 or a tad less than the Nissan Leaf.

Coda is hoping to have around 10K cars on the road in 2011 with the majority of the product coming from China with final assembly in California. No word yet on who is selling Coda and what plans they have beyond CA.

China Throws Down the Gauntlet in EV's

Tom Friedman takes a shine to China's push to lead EV's. Will the US cede foreign oil to foreign batteries? Will we make bold future bets that made the country great? Let's hope so.

That's a lot of cars

Yikes, China might have up to 200M cars on the road by 2020. That's a lot of folks moving around at a very, very slow speed. Might want to push E-Bikes a bit more there team.

Auto execs question need for widespread public charging infrastructure

Interesting take on public charging and the fact that folks think it will not be needed. Could well prove to be true as most will charge at home and at work but entirely possible that by having a signficant charging infrastructure will help to eas range anxiety. Folks who win here are those who will have chargers but will likely not be forking over a lot of their own money - retailers, Starbucks, etc. Either way we once again just do not know how it will shake out. Too early for sweeping generalizations.

Euro Bike: Day 1

Arrived in Friedrichshafen, Germany for Euro Bike yesterday after 20 hours of travel time (air, train and boat). Although hard to reach it is a beautiful town and is clearly the host of the most important bike show in the world.

Yesterday was a bit of a fog but today I feel fresh and enjoyed taking on the sites. E-Bikes are a hot thing over here at the moment. Many of the big guns are introducing larger lines for the European market with eyes on the US in the next 12 to 18 months. Interestingly enough what I have not seen is a lot of design elements put into the E-Bikes. Most look like current pedal bikes with a motor and battery attached save for a few exceptions. While understandable I really believe a design element is important (think the Prius and how its design accelerated hybrid purchases). Nonetheless it is encouraging and I am bullish on the category both here and in the US.

One observation is this show attracts folks who like to have a good time. There are demos going on outside where people are jumping different terrain and the beer tents were already dealing with long lines at 10AM.

Couple of big meetings tomorrow and an industry dinner tomorrow evening. I will share what I can. Stay tuned...