March 15, 2012
Clean Energy Grand Challenges EV-Everywhere
posted by Steven Barrymore

President Obama and the Energy Department launch the Grand Challenges EV-Everywhere. Part of a series of Clean Energy Grand Challenges by the Energy Department. The Grand Challenges are aimed at making clean energy accessible to American families and business use.

Advancing electric vehicle technologies and reducing costs are the goal of the EV-Everywhere Challenge.

Within the next decade the EV-Everywhere Challenge will allow the collaboration of scientists, engineers, and businesses working to make electric vehicles more affordable and convenient to buy and drive compared to current gasoline-powered vehicles.

Over the next several months the Energy Department will announce more Grand Challenges in the series.

“The Challenge will involve working with industry, universities, our national laboratories and government partners to set technical goals for cutting costs for the batteries and electric drivetrain systems, including motors and power electronics, reducing the vehicle weights while maintaining safety, and increasing fast-charge rates.”

Link: DOE

August 26, 2011
Green Drive Expo Returns to the Bay Area
posted by Steven Barrymore

The Green Drive Expo Returns to the San Francisco Bay Area on September 17, 2011. The Expo will feature hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric cars, diesel and biodiesel designs along with CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles. Admission includes free green vehicle test drives.

Date: September 17, 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Craneway Pavilion is located at
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804

Cost of Admission: Adults $10* at the door

Visit Green Drive Expo website for more information.
(*free admission link on website)

July 1, 2011
Summer Heat, be Safe
written by Steven Barrymore

Tips for helping you and your loved ones in summer heat, be safe.

• Drink more fluids (non alcoholic), unless limited by your doctor. Drinking liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar can cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Stay in the shade – indoors in an air-conditioned place if possible. If your home does not have air conditioning – go to a shopping mall or other public place that does.
• Electric fans can provide comfort, but when temperatures are in the 90′s they will not prevent heat-related illness.
• NEVER leave anyone (or animal) in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Check on infants, young children, the elderly and pets.
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Limit exercise. If you do exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Check the UV Index for your area.
• Air quality is also important – check the Air Quality Index before heading outside.

Link: CDC

June 22, 2011
Forest Service Going Green
posted by Steven Barrymore

If you live in Montana or Idaho, the U.S. Forest Service going green for you. In partnership with Honeywell International energy-saving measures will be made to Forest Service Sites. These Energy-Savings Project improvements are expected to save the Forest Service over $267,000 in energy costs in the first year. The energy-saving measures will use renewable energy technology including photovoltaic (PV) systems. This project is designed to conserve energy and water without adding to the national budget deficit. How would the U.S. Forest Service going green in your state be of benefit?

Read more about the Energy-Savings Project.

June 17, 2011
EcoCAR Challenge Top Honors — DOE Reports
posted by Steven Barrymore

The top honors in the EcoCAR challenge went to the team at Virginia Tech University. Beating out 15 other competing universities to be awarded winners of a three-year program sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors. GM donated vehicles were re-engineered to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, while maintaining utility, safety, and performance.

modified Chevrolet Malibu for the EcoCAR challenge (Photo Credit: U.S. Government)

View the EERE News full story here: EcoCAR challenge