2012 EV Rally Information Sheet and Registration Form

 

Photo: Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski at site of two new EV charging stations in Lafayette Parking Garage, along with new LED lighting.

Photo courtesy of Duke Energy

April 9, 2012

News Release

LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The city of Lafayette hosted a news conference Monday, April 9, in the Lafayette Parking Garage, 18 N. Fifth St., to showcase the garage’s new LED lighting and two recently installed electric vehicle charging stations.

“The LED lighting and these charging stations are two more environmentally sound steps the city of Lafayette is taking as we continue to lead and model green initiatives,” Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said.

In all, the city is installing 148 new light fixtures. LED fixtures are replacing 23 fluorescent exit signs and 93 pendulum, 24 pole-mounted and six wall-pack metal halide lighting fixtures. Also, two 8-foot, 2-lamp T12 fixtures with be replaced with four 2-lamp T8 fixtures.

The expense for the replacement fixtures was $121,438, fully funded by an Energy Efficiency Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The city expects its annual cost savings on electricity to be about $4,000 with the LED lighting.

A Chevrolet Volt, brought to the garage by representatives of Lafayette’s DeFouw Chevrolet and BMW Inc., was used to demonstrate the new charging stations.

“Lafayette is the first municipality in the Duke Energy Project Plug-IN program to receive charging stations,” said Kevin Johnston, Duke Energy Indiana northwest Indiana district manager.

Duke Energy has also installed 43 residential charging stations, another 10 at Indiana state parks and two workplace charging locations.

“As part of Project Plug-IN, we will continue to install residential units as customers purchase electric vehicles,” Johnston said. “We are also in the process of installing additional public charging units in other Indiana cities as well as several retail locations.”

John Christodoulakis, owner of Lafayette’s Red Seven restaurant and a member of the Lafayette Parking Commission, gave the garage improvements a thumbs-up.

“As more electric vehicles come on the market, it’s important to downtown businesses that there be public charging stations available,” he said. “The installation of these stations reflects our city’s foresight and interest, too, in environmentally sound practices. As the hub of Lafayette’s dining and night life, downtown will be well served by the addition of these charging stations.”

The two Siemens level 2 charging stations are part of a two-year pilot program by Duke Energy, which owns them and will operate and monitor them. The program’s purpose is to demonstrate a commercial-scale station and evaluate load profiles, grid impacts and equipment function.

There was no cost to the city for the stations or installation, and at the end of the two years, Duke Energy will give the stations to the city.

The stations, located near the interior stair wells on the first and second floors, can each accommodate one car at a time.

Equipment was provided through Energy Systems Network’s Project Plug-IN initiative, which received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funding through the Indiana Office of Energy Development to expand charging infrastructure.

“By studying customers’ charging habits, we will better understand how personal electric vehicles will integrate into the grid,” Johnston said. “Knowing what amount of charging occurs during peak demand times and what electric vehicle owners expect from their charging experience will help us maintain overall reliability while minimizing costs for all customers.

“Our mission is to provide affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy to our customers,” Johnston said. “We are pleased to partner with Project Plug-IN as we work to understand electric vehicles and their impact to the power grid, which is a critical part of achieving that goal.”

Dennis Carson, director of the city’s Economic Development Department, said, “The city of Lafayette is always eager to consider and implement green initiatives. This pilot program is especially appealing because it places charging stations in a public venue.”

Built in 1997, the three-story Lafayette Parking Garage has 480 parking spaces.
Customers interested in purchasing an electric vehicle can learn more about Duke Energy’s pilot program at www.duke-energy.com/plugin/ProjectPlugin.asp.

Besides a long-running recycling program, other green initiatives by the city include the LEED-certified renovation of the building at 515 Columbia St., which houses the city’s Economic Development Department. A portion of that building also has a green roof.

Source: City of Lafayette

This press release can be viewed on Inside Indiana Business website here.

April 5, 2012

News Release

Merrillville, Ind. -- In a new effort to spur economic development through the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has launched the IN-Charge Electric Vehicle Program, offering incentives to customers for installing an in-home charging station. This pilot program is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric cars by reducing the cost and complexity of home charging.

The IN-Charge Program is available to current NIPSCO electric utility customers who own or plan to purchase an electric vehicle. Participants will receive an instant credit of up to $1,650 toward the installation of a residential electric vehicle Level 2 charger, and free charging between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

“The IN-Charge Program makes it more cost effective and convenient for prospective electric car buyers to install a home charger,” said Karl Stanley, vice president of commercial operations for NIPSCO. “Our investment in this program is part of our overall commitment to sustainability and developing a larger charging network in the region.”

South Shore Clean Cities’ Executive Director, Carl Lisek, added, “South Shore Clean Cities and our partners are fully committed to this effort of home charging stations with NIPSCO and believe the program will help promote the existing electric vehicle business that has developed within the state of Indiana, improve local air quality and help reduce reliance on imported oil.”

NIPSCO has partnered with 350Green, a developer of EV charging station networks, to administer the program. For more information and to begin enrollment, visit NIPSCO.com/INCharge.

The program is effective through January 31, 2015 or until funds are exhausted.

As part of the pilot, NIPSCO and 350Green are also conducting a market study to gain additional information regarding EV adoption potential within NIPSCO’s service territory and to assist with the development of future offerings. A second phase of the pilot program will be proposed within the next year, based on the results of the market study.

“A combination of home and public charging stations will help accelerate the adoption of electric cars in the region,” said Mariana Gerzanych, co-founder and CEO of 350Green. “With convenient charging at home and easy access to chargers in public places, EV owners can drive with confidence, knowing that a charge is right around the corner.”

This program is being offered as part of a Supplemental Environmental Project under the NIPSCO New Source Review NOV settlement.

About 350Green

Headquartered in Los Angeles, 350Green is a project developer that designs, builds and operates a scalable, nationwide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The company partners with retailers, commercial property managers and developers, and municipalities to locate charging stations at places near where EV drivers live and work. Current projects are under way in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, California and New York. The company has signed partnerships with Walgreens and Simon Property Group, among others. More information is available at www.350green.com.

NIPSCO, with headquarters in Merrillville, Ind., is one of the seven energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). With more than 786,000 natural gas customers and 457,000 electric customers across the northern third of Indiana, NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company, and the second largest electric distribution company, in the state.

NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about NIPSCO is available at www.nipsco.com.

Source: NIPSCO

ESN is now offering email updates on industry news, project updates, community events and more! Sign up here for ESN updates to be sent to your email address. Prefer only updates on Project Plug-IN? We have an exclusive email list for Project Plug-IN as well - sign up here.



 

March 4, 2012

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (March 2, 2012) – Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced in September 2011 that the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI was selected to receive a $1.3 million Department of Energy award to train undergraduate‐ and graduate‐level engineering students in manufacturing efficiency. The award will help the university provide practical training on energy management concepts through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Assessment Center (IAC)Program. IUPUI is the only university in Indiana selected to receive this award. This is the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s first visit to campus to meet with program leaders and students.

Who:  
United States Secretary of Energy Steven Chu

What:  
Energy Secretary Steven Chu will be visiting the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI to meet with the School’s leaders, tour labs and facilities, speak with members of the media and conduct a town hall meeting with students, faculty and industry.

When:  
Monday, March 5, 2012 
  
Where:
Indiana University‐Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
        
News Release

Originally Posted September 13, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (September 13, 2011) – Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI has been selected to receive a $1.3 million Department of Energy award to train undergraduate- and graduate-level engineering students in manufacturing efficiency to help them become the nation's next generation of industrial energy efficiency experts. The award will help the university provide practical training on core energy management concepts through the DOE’s Industrial Assessment Center Program. IUPUI is the only university in Indiana selected to receive this award.

“This industrial efficiency training program opens the door to good jobs in a growing, global sector for thousands of energy-savvy students while promoting real, boots-on-the-ground progress toward our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Secretary Chu. “The Centers will provide a boost to the nextgeneration of American workers as well as to the businesses with which they work.”

Through these university-based Industrial Assessment Centers, engineering students will receive extensive training in industrial processes, energy assessment procedures and energy management principles, which will be put to use working directly with small and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing facilities in the surrounding communities. Under the program, the School of Engineering and Technology will train at least 10 to 15 students per year, conduct approximately 20 energy assessments annually and perform extensive follow-on reporting, tracking, implementation, and management-improvement activities.

“The Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI is making significant investments in energy engineering education and research,” said Dr. David J. Russomanno,Dean of the School. “Our new B.S. degree in energy engineering, recent additions of experienced faculty members and our Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy are investments that will enable us to significantly contribute to the goals of the DOE’s Industrial Assessment Center program.”

The School will be utilizing the resources of its energy engineering experts and the Lugar Center for Renewable Energy to form industry partnerships in the Indianapolis community. These partnerships will lead to increased research and scholarship support for undergraduate and graduate students.

About the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy:
The Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy was established to address the urgent societal needs for clean, affordable and renewable energy sources, improve the nation’s energy security and reduce the negative impacts of climate change. Its primary mission is to promote research excellence in the area of renewable energy through collaborative efforts among faculty in the disciplines of engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, public policy and environmental affairs. It will promote renewable energy applications through teaching, learning, civic engagement and synergistic partnerships with industry, government labs and local communities. Visit http://www.engr.iupui.edu/research/lugar/ to find out more.

About the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI:
The mission of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI is to be one of the best urban university leaders in the disciplines of engineering and technology recognized locally, nationally and internationally. The school’s goal is to provide students an education that will give them the leverage to be leaders in their communities, industry and society. For additional information on the School of Engineering & Technology, go to http://www.engr.iupui.edu.

Source: IUPUI School of Engineering & Technology
 

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Chris Watts, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership/Energy Systems Network

   Phone:  317.464-2237 or 317.514-3184 (mobile)  E-mail:  cwatts@cincorp.com

   Melissa Roberts, Energy Systems Network

   Phone: 317.532.4808                                         E-mail: mroberts@cincorp.com

Energy Systems Network partners with Indy Park Ride & Fly to install GE DuraStation* Electric Vehicle Charger

Site becomes the latest addition to Project Plug-IN initiative’s charging infrastructure movement

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 1, 2012) Through a partnership with the central Indiana clean technology initiative Energy Systems Network (ESN), Indy Park Ride and Fly has made it easier for drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while they park at their facility after the installation of a GE DuraStation double pedestal EV Charger.

EV owners who are traveling out of the Indianapolis International Airport may now take advantage of complimentary charging for both valet and self-parking. The GE DuraStation is a fast, easy-to-use, compact electric vehicle charging solution with Level 2 capability for faster charging time compared to standard plug-in charging. It delivers a full-cycle charge to a 24kWh battery in only 4-8 hours, whereas plugging an EV into a standard electrical outlet would require 12-18 hours to provide the same level of charge. The EV charger has the capability to charge two EVs simultaneously.

“We are excited to be taking a progressive step in our sustainability practices by helping provide services for electric vehicle owners,” said Amy Jones, General Manager of Indy Park Ride & Fly. “Our mission is to minimize frustration for our customers in all aspects of their parking experience. Providing these charging stations is one more way we can provide a hassle-free experience.”

The funding for the charging stations was provided by ESN’s Project Plug-IN initiative, which was awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant funding through the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED) to expand charging infrastructure. To date, Project Plug-IN and its partners have deployed over 125 electric vehicles in the Indianapolis Region and nearly 200 charging stations in homes, businesses and parking facilities.

“Indy Park Ride & Fly is a great advocate for Project Plug-IN’s efforts to make Indianapolis the most EV-friendly community in the nation,” said Paul Mitchell, President & CEO of Energy Systems Network. “By continuing to add publicly available charging infrastructure at a variety of businesses and parking facilities, we can also reduce some of the perceived barriers to EV ownership.”

The GE DuraStation is located at 3875 Plainfield Road in Indianapolis, approximately 1.5 miles from the Indianapolis International Airport. No reservations are required – visit www.indyparkrideandfly.com for rates, directions and information.

* Trademark of General Electric Company

###

About Indy Park Ride & Fly:

Indy Park Ride and Fly has serviced the Indianapolis International Airport since 1997. We have parked more than 2 million vehicles and offer both Full Service Valet and Self Park options. We provided 24-hour on demand continuous shuttle service to and from the airport, and no additional time is required to use our facility. Vehicles parked in our fully secured lot are patrolled 24/7. Customers can take advantage of our in-house car care service center where we provide washes, detailing and oil changes. Business travelers enjoy the benefits of our "FAST PASS PROGRAM,” Indy Biz Xpress (www.indybizxpress.com). It adds value and convenience to your parking experience. Features of the program include guaranteed parking year-round, preferred parking rates, rewards towards free parking, and "express" check-out privileges.

NEW - We have recently installed canopies to cover our pick up and drop off areas for our Valet Customers. Go from your car to our shuttle bus in a totally covered environment! In an effort to improve our "green" technology, alongside the electric charging station we have converted our parking lot lighting to meet sustainability standards. Visit our website at www.indyparkrideandfly.com to pre-book parking, learn about rates, directions and more information.

About Energy Systems Network and Project Plug-IN: Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a not-for-profit, industry-driven economic initiative focused on the development of Indiana's "clean tech" sector. ESN provides project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members who are seeking to bring new energy technologies, products or applications to market. Project Plug-IN, one of ESN's initiatives, is a commercial scale pilot of plug-in electric vehicles and smart grid technology working together to demonstrate an energy efficient transportation system solution. ESN and Project Plug-IN received U.S. Department of Energy grant funding through the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED) for the deployment of electric vehicles and charging stations. For more information, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com and www.projectplugin.com.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.

Follow GE Energy on Twitter @GE_Energy

- 30 -

Last week, Nissan emailed a newsletter describing one Indiana utility's electric vehicle pilot program, which includes a free 240-volt home charging station. Project Plug-IN partner Duke Energy was highlighted in the latest of Nissan's announcements to Indiana residents about the LEAF, for which customers can now make reservations online. Click here to read more.



 

This article was originally published in the New York Times on February 17, 2012. View the article on the NYT website here.

February 17, 2012

New Cars That Pass the Pump as They Celebrate the Socket

By LAWRENCE ULRICH

IT has been a rotten few months for electric cars. Less than a year ago, E.V.’s and plug-in hybrids seemed ready for a mass takeoff, with the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt leading the charge down the runway.

But early sales have been disappointing, causing some analysts to express caution. Are plug-in cars establishing a foothold? Or might they be done in by familiar factors: high prices, short range, long charging times, plentiful gasoline and consumer resistance?

In December, J. P. Morgan sharply downgraded its electric-adoption forecast, projecting that plug-in models would take just 4.5 percent of the global market by 2025, down from the previous estimate of 8.6 percent.

The Volt’s reputation was dinged by a federal investigation into the potential for battery fires. That inquiry concluded that the plug-in hybrid was no more fire-prone than a gas-powered car.

And in this election year, Republicans have assailed electric cars, making them a stand-in for President Obama’s stimulus spending, energy policies, auto-industry aid and loans for plug-in makers including Ford, General Motors and Nissan.

House Republicans accused federal safety officials of trying to whitewash a Volt battery fire — which occurred weeks after the car was crash-tested — to protect the government’s investment in G.M. Called before Congress, G.M.’s chairman, Daniel F. Akerson, defended the Chevy’s safety and lamented the Volt’s new role as “a political punching bag.”

Fisker laid off 66 workers in California and Delaware after missing development and sales targets for its Karma plug-in luxury car that were conditions of its $529 million Energy Department loan.

But none of the bad news is stopping automakers, from big, bullish Nissan to tiny underdogs like Coda, from sticking electric motors into cars.

Americans bought 19,874 plug-in cars in 2011, according to LMC Automotive. But the research firm expects the number to surge to roughly 70,000 this year, to nearly 170,000 in 2013 and to a healthy 250,000 by 2015, representing a significant 1.5 percent of a 16.5 million vehicle market.

About a dozen new plug-in models are scheduled to reach showrooms this year, and another dozen in 2013. Most new models adopt a standardized plug that delivers stronger 240-volt current, filling the batteries in three to eight hours — though models can also charge on a standard household outlet, which can take up to 24 hours.

Both companies and the government continue to place billion-dollar bets on electricity as the best available technology to curb pollution and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Mr. Obama’s latest budget calls for raising federal tax breaks for plug-in buyers to $10,000, from $7,500, a measure that would cost taxpayers up to $100 million for every 10,000 cars sold.

With models like the Karma priced at $100,000, some of tax breaks will go to the wealthy. Even “affordable” E.V.’s like the Ford Focus Electric are priced around $40,000, a huge premium over conventional high-mileage cars.

Whether or not plug-ins become common, some intriguing vehicles will arrive in the next two years. Here are some models to keep an eye on:

AMP This Ohio company plans to yank the powertrains from Jeep Grand Cherokees and Mercedes M-Class S.U.V.’s and replace them with batteries and electric motors, good for a 100-mile range. Set for this fall, Amp’s Jeep and Mercedes E.V.’s start around $58,000 and $80,000 respectively. That’s about $25,000 more than gas-powered versions.

AUDI An electrified version of the R8 sports car, featured in the “Iron Man” movies, the E-tron is to go into production late this year and will have four electric motors, one at each wheel. With power from a big 53-kilowatt-hour battery, a prototype developed 313 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Expect a price well into six figures.

BMW The ActiveE, an all-electric version of the 1 Series coupe that is being leased to 700 American customers, is serving as a testbed for BMW’s first full-production electric car, the i3.

A city car with a body of lightweight carbon fiber, the i3 is to reach dealerships in late 2013 and early 2014. It will first be offered as a pure E.V., with a plug-in hybrid version to follow.

Then, in 2014, BMW will offer Hollywood celebrity bait with the futuristic i8 plug-in hybrid, which has already had a supporting role in “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol.” A turbo 1.5-liter 3-cylinder will drive the i8’s rear wheels and a 130-horse electric motor will propel the front wheels, for a total of 350 horsepower.

CADILLAC To arrive next winter, the eye-catching front-drive ELR adopts the hybrid approach of the Chevy Volt, covering short distances on battery power, then switching to a gas engine to generate electricity and extend the range. The four-seat ELR will have front-wheel drive, not the sportier rear-drive layout of the CTS and ATS sedans.

CODA This Los Angeles-based underdog plans an international approach: importing partly built Hafai Saibo sedans from China, then installing batteries and electronics in Northern California. For prices of $38,145 or $40,795, buyers will get a car with a range of 125 or 150 miles. Coda hopes to roll out its first cars in California in the spring.

DOK-ING Though a long shot for American showrooms, the XD, a Croatian-built cutie with gullwing doors and an unusual three-passenger layout, was a hit at the Los Angeles auto show in November. The XD has four electric motors delivering speedy acceleration.

FIAT Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of Fiat and Chrysler, complained last year that Fiat would lose $10,000 on every E.V. it sold. Still, Chrysler is engineering the Fiat 500 EV for limited production this year, at a price that may approach $40,000.

FISKER After long delays, the $103,000 Karma plug-in hybrid is slowly reaching customers from the factory in Finland where it is assembled. The California start-up says its voluptuous sedan can cover 300 miles, the first 50 on battery power. The Karma can reach 60 m.p.h. in less than six seconds, with a boost from a G.M.-sourced 4-cylinder gas engine.

FORD Three plug-in cars are coming from Dearborn this year. The Focus Electric goes on sale next month in California, New York and New Jersey, with distribution spreading to 15 additional markets by year-end. The car’s trump card is a powerful 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger, giving the 123-horsepower Ford a full charge in four hours, about half the time of the current Nissan Leaf. But the $39,995 base price is $4,000 more than the Nissan’s, which has a similar 100-mile range.

The Ford C-Max people mover will be offered as both a conventional hybrid and, this fall, as a plug-in version called the Energi. A 2-liter gas engine and electric motor supply 185 horsepower, with recharging in as little as 3.5 hours. Ford says the C-Max Energi will beat the Volt’s gasoline equivalent rating of 93 m.p.g.e. and have a total driving range of 500 miles.

Finally, Ford plans to sell an Energi plug-in hybrid version of its 2013 Fusion alongside the gasoline and hybrid models, starting next winter. Ford says the handsome sedan will deliver up to 100 m.p.g.e.

HONDA An electric version of the Fit hatchback arrives this summer, though just 1,100 will be available, strictly on the West and East coasts, with a $399 monthly lease. The Fit adopts the 123-horsepower electric motor from the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car; a 20-kilowatt-hour battery will provide roughly 75 miles of range.

And in fall 2013, Honda will offer an advanced plug-in hybrid system on its next-generation Accord. A 2-liter Atkinson cycle engine will join two electric motors, one to charge the battery and one to propel the car. The plug-in Accord is said to be capable of traveling 10 to 15 miles on electricity at up to 62 m.p.h., or to blend gas and electric power.

INFINITI To be unveiled at the Geneva auto show next month, Infiniti’s two-seat rear-drive sports car will combine electric power with a midmounted 1.3-liter gas engine. The car adopts the Chevy Volt’s extended-range format rather than the all-electric approach championed by Nissan.

MERCEDES-BENZ Like other electric supercars, the gullwing SLS AMG E-Cell could pluck the consciences and wallets of the rich when it comes to market, possibly in 2013, with a projected price of $200,000. The E-Cell would crank out 526 horsepower through four 12,000-r.p.m. electric motors; its projected top speed of 155 m.p.h. could set a production E.V. record.

MITSUBISHI Mitsubishi’s tiny four-seat “i” city car is the E.P.A.’s new fuel-economy champ, rated at the gasoline equivalent of 126 m.p.g.e. on the highway and 99 in town. It is also, at about $30,000, the most affordable highway-capable electric car. With 63 horsepower, the “i” is slow and somewhat crude, with a range of 62 miles. On sale now in the West, the car migrates to the Northeast in April.

PORSCHE A jaw-dropper for its design and its $845,000 price, the 918 Spyder hybrid promises a top speed of 198 m.p.h., fuel economy exceeding 70 m.p.g. and lower carbon emissions than a Prius. Between its race-bred V-8 and electric motors, the plug-in Porsche will kick out roughly 730 horsepower and is said to be capable of 0-to-60 m.p.h. acceleration in just 3.2 seconds, yet travel up to 25 miles on electricity. The showroom version will be unveiled in Frankfurt in 2013.

SMART ELECTRIC DRIVE This electric version of the tiny Smart car can be leased with an eye-popping monthly payment of $599. Unfortunately, the car may be even more distressing to drive than the gas version. It provides scant performance, a 60 m.p.h. top speed and a 60-mile range.

TESLA Tesla is seeking to justify its federal loans with the Model S, a striking electric sport sedan that claims unmatched range of 160 to 300 miles, depending on the battery. Tesla offers 40-, 60- and 85-kilowatt-hour versions from $57,400 to $105,400. The power-packed version offers an unlimited battery warranty and 0-to-60 m.p.h. acceleration of 4.4 seconds. Deliveries are to start later this year.

TOYOTA For $32,760 to start, the new Prius plug-in hybrid can travel just 15 miles on battery juice alone — one-third the Volt’s range — but it can top 50 m.p.g. when its gas engine comes into play, beating the Chevy. A similar version of the Prius V wagon arrives this fall.

Toyota will also start production in Ontario late this year of the RAV4 EV, whose electric powertrain was developed by Tesla at a cost to Toyota of $100 million.

Charge your EV while you shop, visit and dine downtown

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) has installed two public electric vehicle charging stations along Georgia Street, between Illinois and Meridian streets. The stations offer universal charging equipment compatible with most electric vehicle models and allow downtown visitors to conveniently charge vehicles while they visit local businesses or events. Electric vehicle drivers will pay a flat rate of $2.50 per charging session.

“Indianapolis Power & Light Company continues to support our customers who drive environmentally-friendly electric vehicles by offering this evolving technology in a conveniently accessible location in the heart of our city,” said Ken Zagzebski, IPL President and Chief Executive Officer. “As electric cars continue to grow in popularity in Indianapolis, we are proud to be leading the way in championing their use.”

The funding for the charging stations was provided through Energy Systems Network’s (ESN) Project Plug-IN initiative.  Project Plug-IN aims to make Central Indiana the most EV-friendly region in the nation, and has used American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants awarded through the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED) to expand charging infrastructure in and around Indianapolis.

”With the addition of these charging stations, downtown Indianapolis becomes even more accommodating to the growing number of residents, commuters and visitors who use electric vehicles – a trend that will only continue to grow,” said ESN President & CEO Paul Mitchell.

As a partner in “Project Plug-IN,” IPL adds the Georgia Street location to its total of six public station site areas throughout the city. IPL currently has electric charging stations at Denison Merchant’s Garage, the Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center, Garfield Park Library and the Indiana State Garage at 401 W. Washington Street. Additional units will be available on the 2^nd floor of the Denison Plaza garage on Capitol Avenue between the convention center and PNC Center in the coming weeks.

In addition, IPL customers who have purchased electric vehicles may be eligible to receive charging equipment for their homes or businesses. Doing so will allow them to take advantage of a special rate designed to encourage consumers to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours for as little as 3 cents per kWh. IPL is the first Indiana utility to offer this special time-of-use rate to its customers. Interested customers can learn more at IPLpower.com or contact IPL at electric.vehicle@aes.com.

About Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL): Indianapolis Power & Light Company provides retail electric service to more than 470,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, IPL has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please visit www.IPLpower.com.

About Energy Systems Network and Project Plug-IN: Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a not-for-profit, industry-driven economic initiative focused on the development of Indiana’s “clean tech” sector. ESN provides project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members who are seeking to bring new energy technologies, products or applications to market. Project Plug-IN, one of ESN’s initiatives, is a commercial scale pilot of plug-in electric vehicles and smart grid technology working together to demonstrate an energy efficient transportation system solution. ESN and Project Plug-IN received U.S.Department of Energy grant funding through the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED) for the deployment of electric vehicles and charging stations. For more information, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com and www.projectplugin.com, or follow us on Twitter @EnergySystemsNk and @ProjectPlugIN.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        Contact:         

February 10, 2012                                                                    Crystal Livers-Powers                                                                                                             Indianapolis Power & Light Co.

                                                                                                (317) 261-8423,

                                                                                                pager (317) 393-7584

                                                                                                crystal.liverspowers@aes.com

###

Are you an Indiana EV owner looking for places to charge up your plug-in vehicle? Check out our new Public Charging Station map on the Project Plug-IN page. We’re cataloging all publicly available charging stations in the state to help Indiana EV drivers find their way to the closest charging station.

Find a charging station that’s not on our map? Contact us by filling out the General Inquiry form with the address, number of units, type of units (Level 2, Quick Charge, etc.) and payment method for the charging station and we’ll be sure to update the map.

Happy Charging!

Above: Charging stations available at the Indianapolis International Airport for valet customers.
 

This story was written and published by Inside Indiana Business on 12/15/11. To view the original article and listen to audio clips, click here.

While hybrid cars are becoming a more common site on the nation's roads, hybrid commercial trucks and buses are seemingly scarce. Purdue University leaders say that's because experts have yet to clear the technical and engineering hurdles that surround the scaling up of hybrid technology for commercial duty vehicles. A new Purdue center has just received a $1 million grant to tackle those very challenges; leaders at the Hoosier Heavy Hybrid Center of Excellence (H3CoE) say it will provide the "intellectual horsepower" to drive the development of hybrid commercial trucks and buses for the U.S. and beyond.

While hybrid cars play a small role in reducing fuel consumption and harmful tailpipe emissions, center leaders say the use of hybrid commercial vehicles will make a "major dent" in the two measurements. H3CoE Co-director Maryam Saeedifard says the growth of e-commerce is one phenomenon causing the number of trucks on the road to skyrocket.

"It's estimated one hybrid bus can save as much fuel as 40 hybrid cars," says Saeedifard. "Buses, trucks and commercial vehicles represent a huge percentage of global fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions."

Supported by the recent grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Graduate Automotive Technology Education initiative, the center's five-year goal is to reduce commercial vehicle fuel consumption by 50 percent. Center leaders say such a reduction would cut petroleum use by about 15 billion gallons per year and eliminate 155 million tons of carbon dioxide.

However, the challenges that surround the development of commercial hybrid vehicles are significant. One major obstacle is determining how to better integrate the various components in the powertrain, including the engine, transmission and electrical systems. Saeedifard says that's a major reason why the center has formed partnerships with Hoosier electric vehicle component manufacturers, including Cummins, Delphi and Allison Transmission.

"Some of the challenges are almost the same for medium and heavy duty hybrid vehicles as hybrid cars, but some of them are very unique," says Saeedifard. "We want to investigate the research topics that have direct relevance to industry."

The center is also partnering with the state's clean energy initiative Energy Systems Network (ESN), which formed the Hoosier Heavy Hybrid (HHH) partnership among Indiana manufacturers in 2009. ESN President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Mitchell says HHH is "very successful," noting project participants Allison, Remy and Delphi collectively earned more than $200 million in federal stimulus funds earmarked for vehicle electrification.

"[HHH] focused originally on the business-to-business relationships among Indiana component manufacturers; frankly, we hadn't really pulled in the universities until this more recent activity," says Mitchell. "Adding in the university component—which enhances the research and talent development aspects—will strengthen this Hoosier partnership in a significant way."

Mitchell believes the Purdue center will also swell the pipeline of white collar engineers trained in vehicle electrification to fuel growth at Hoosier companies involved in the industry. H3CoE will include research fellowships for up to eight graduate students. Saeedifard says the fellowships will be competitive and include students from various disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering.

"We keep hearing from industry that there is a significant shortage of engineers in [hybrid technology]. We are hoping to address that issue," says Saeedifard. "The progress of technology has been promising, but there are still some gaps and technical challenges that need to be addressed. One objective of this center is to train, educate and equip the next generation of research scientists and engineers to address those technical challenges to fill the gaps."

Supported by up and coming industry experts, center leaders believe the project will be able to tackle the roadblocks that have prevented wide-scale deployment of cost effective and highly-efficient hybrid commercial trucks and busses in the U.S. and around the globe.

"The whole state should see this center as another arrow in our quiver in the effort to be a leader in advanced hybrid technology for light duty—and now heavy duty—vehicles as well."

This blog entry was written by John Waters, ESN Technical Advisory Council Member, on Rocky Mountain Institute's RMI Outlet blog. To view the original post, please visit the RMI Outlet website.

*******************************************************************************

John Waters

President - Waters & Associates Consulting

November 30, 2011

General Motors is on its way to becoming the premier automaker in all technology related to electric vehicle safety and reliability. The recent reporting and follow-up investigation of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) event involving a Chevy Volt (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is the ideal catalyst for driving EV technology forward and our global understanding of safety, reliability, and cost in advanced vehicles.

It is reported that the battery of a GM Chevy Volt, damaged in a crash test, caught fire three weeks later and ignited several cars near the Volt (this all took place in a NHTSA facility). The good news here is that no human was hurt. The incident took place at a test facility where catastrophic situations are supposed to be generated. (For more on this topic see “Volt fire investigation — is it more than smoke?”)

Now, this single incident will motivate and drive some of the finest engineers in the world to become even more skilled and insightful in advancing the benefits lithium battery technology. From Newton to Edison to Dean Kamen, true inventors highlight their increased understanding of physical laws through “mistakes” as opposed to successes.

If you asked Dean Kamen (one of the greatest living inventors) to name an individual who knows more than most of the causes of “rapid thermal expansion” of lithium batteries, he would most likely mention my name. I arrived at Dean’s offices one day several years ago, greeted by three fire trucks, and smelled the familiar fragrance of burned lithium batteries wafting through the air.

Without disclosing the details, I can confidently state that the following six months of root cause failure investigation of my team’s lithium batteries taught me more about the behavior and control of high energy lithium-ion battery packs than all the previous years of robust failure testing and analysis on the battery systems.

The Chevy Volt incident will drive the highly competent engineers and scientists at GM to discover and quantify the peripheral behavior mechanisms of high-energy battery packs. These discoveries are not ones to avoid but to embrace as they will provide substantial value for GM and propel it to a global leadership position.

As my friend (Rocky Mountain Institute chief scientist) Amory Lovins once encouraged me in an email, “Pioneers get the arrows, settlers get the land.”

GM’s leadership in putting thousands of Chevy Volts on the road—all with no reported incidents—requires the company to embrace the unknown, resolve the failure modes, and capture market share with its robust understanding and intellectual property that will be gained by leading discovery. This is our classic American heritage and we should be championing our industrious companies forward in their global leadership positions.

Those who want to promote a “sky is falling” attitude on advanced automotive technology should break out their abacuses and go for it (but be careful of pinching your fingers with the deadly motions of those beads!). Does anyone want to debate the safety and reliability of sitting on top of 20-gallon gasoline reservoir, which has an energy density 65 times greater than lithium batteries?

The loss of the space shuttle Columbia was a historical event for our country — resulting in the loss of human lives. The failure was attributed to a loose piece of foam insulation, the size of a small briefcase, which damaged the shuttle's thermal protection system.

Similar to NASA’s focus and leadership after this horrendous event, GM has the opportunity to show the world how safe and reliable lithium battery systems can be and create the intellectual property that will propel them to a global leadership position and the planet’s authority on advanced automotive technology.

---

John Waters, an entrepreneurial and business development professional, is president of Waters & Associates Consulting. He is an electric vehicle pioneer, having led development and production for General Motors of battery packs for the company's first electric cars, the EV1 and Electric S-10. At Delphi Corp., he launched a lithium battery business and was responsible for the design, testing and production of multiple lithium battery products, including battery packs for the Segway. He launched Bright Automotive in 2008 after serving as Vice President of Transportation at Rocky Mountain Institute, a role in which he provided energy strategy for Fortune 100 companies including Alcoa, Ford and Wal-Mart.

Three GE WattStation^TM Wall Mount Charging Stations Now Available at Airport

ACORE’s annual Phase II Policy Forum has never been more important. With an industry whose growth and economic potential is being called into question, Phase II will be a critical meeting geared to formulate an over-arching strategy for the continued success and support of the industry. The forum will explore issues of national and energy security, economic development, capital raising, and jobs for the many under and unemployed Americans. The thought leaders from the global stage will join leaders from the national and state level in Washington DC to assess the status of renewable energy policy today, the range of policy options available, and help to advise on a best case policy framework for 2012 and beyond. Your attendance is critical to formulating a well-rounded energy policy for America’s future.

For more information and to register online, visit www.acorephaseii.com.

The Clean Energy Trust administers an annual business competition for early stage cleantech companies in the Midwest region. Last year the Challenge awarded $140,000 to four promising Midwestern clean energy start-ups. This year, CET is excited to announce a new program: the Clean Energy Student Challenge. The Student Challenge is part of a new national program led by the US Department of Energy. CET will be the Midwest Regional Administrator of the Department of Energy’s National Clean Energy Business Creation Competition for University Students. This provides an additional $100,000 grand prize for a student-run company.

CET is looking for promising early stage and student-run start-ups to apply for the Challenge. The application deadline is December 5, 2011 in order to participate in the competition on March 1, 2012 in Chicago. A total of 28 teams will be selected to compete for $250,000 in prizes. Eligible technologies include renewables, water, energy conservation and efficiency, building materials, energy storage, smart grid, energy IT, energy, next generation transportation, and renewable fuels.

For eligibility criteria for both the early stage start-ups and student-run start-ups, as well as to submit an application, please visit http://www.cleanenergytrust.org/events/about-the-challenge/.

“Motorsports 2.0” event brings racing, automotive and energy systems experts together to lay groundwork for electric vehicle series

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., October 20, 2011) Auto racing is about the thrill of competition, about who can coax the best performance out of finely-tuned race machines. A proposed new racing series aims to complement internal combustion engine racing traditions with the advanced technologies quickly emerging in electric vehicles (EVs). With emerging battery technology, EVs can outperform traditional cars in torque, speed and handling - on the track or on the highway.

In early October, the Energy Systems Network (ESN) brought together an ‘all-star’ collection of motorsports teams, sanctioning bodies, engineering and design firms, Fortune 500 sponsors and EV pioneers to explore an electric vehicle (EV) racing series that could take the track within the next three years. The “Motorsports 2.0” EV Racing Design Summit was hosted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and sponsored by Duke Energy, Siemens, Eaton Corporation, Remy International, and Verizon.

Over the course of three days, the group participated in a series of brainstorming and working sessions aimed at several key goals: creating specifications for an all-electric record-setting racecar, developing design plans for the technical infrastructure required to support fully electric race vehicles, and drafting preliminary business and marketing plans for the EV racing series.

The EV racing initiative is spearheaded by ESN, the non-profit, industry-driven initiative focused on clean technologies and energy innovation. ESN also manages Project Plug-IN, among the nation’s largest deployment projects for plug-in electric vehicles and ‘smart grid’ technologies based in Central Indiana. According to ESN CEO Paul Mitchell, the racing series serves a complementary purpose in speeding deployment of EVs.

“Race fans are obviously enthusiasts and early adopters of the latest automotive technologies,” Mitchell said.

John Waters, President of Waters & Associates, who assisted in facilitating and coordinating the event, and a previous member of the General Motors EV1 team in Indiana agreed, “There’s no better way to promote the unique capabilities of emerging electric automotive technology than by demonstrating EV power and durability on the race track. It’s not about hugging trees but embracing speed and performance.”

EV racing will also serve a valuable purpose in developing and validating new technologies for the emerging electric vehicle sector. A symbiotic relationship has long existed between motorsports and the automotive industry, but has become less relevant in recent years.

In addition to vehicle design, the Motorsports 2.0 Summit also focused on the infrastructure needed for EV racing. “EV motorsports will foster innovation in vehicle technology, but it will also provide a development platform and proving ground for future EV charging technologies,” said Mike Rowand of Duke Energy. “The charging systems that power electric vehicles on the race track may ultimately power consumer vehicles.”

Beyond this potential role as a high-performance R&D lab, backers believe that an EV racing series would promote the vehicles to a wider audience, creating a ‘pull through’ market.

“Racing fans love competition – whether its IndyCar, American LeMans Series, or go-karts,” said Scot Elkins, COO of the American LeMans Series and the International Motor Sports Association, and a participant at Motorsports 2.0.  “If they see electric vehicles putting on a good race, they’ll gravitate to it, learn all about the cars – and become consumers and enthusiasts.”

The EV racing partnership will combine expertise across electric propulsion, infrastructure, renewable energy, IT, and motorsports. Within a two-and-a-half year timeframe, it will focus on aligning the strategic technology development needs of the automotive, clean energy and IT industries with the future of racing, while also attracting a new generation of spectators and sponsors with an exciting and carbon-free racing experience.

Despite the aggressive timeline, participants at the Motorsports 2.0 Summit are optimistic about the prospects for the series.

“This Summit used a world-class process to jump-start an EV series,” said Richard Parry-Jones, former Chief Technical Officer of Ford Motor Company and head of the UK Automotive Council.  “It brought all the right people together – we accomplished more in three days than most efforts like this do in a year.”

“Right now, we’re using a 20^th century fuel for a sport with 21^st century ambitions,” added Chelsea Sexton, electric vehicle advocate made famous in the movie, “Who Killed the Electric Car.” “Electrified motorsports will happen – the only questions are when and how.”

Participants in the Motorsports 2.0 EV Racing Design Summit included IndyCar, American LeMans, Bright Automotive, CCS Services, the Art Center College of Design, Delphi, Dallara, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Fuzion Training, Remy International, Duke Energy, Google, Tabu Design, Siemens Energy, Verizon Wireless, USAC Racing, Eaton Corporation, Penske Technology, Ball State University Center for Media Design, RPJ Consulting, , Ice Miller, Living City Block, HVM Racing, Stanford University, Waters & Associates and the Lightning Rod Foundation.

These and other partners are collaborating on a multi-phased approach, starting at the Motorsports 2.0 Design Summit. Discussions have continued since the Summit on October 4-6, focusing on continued technical and business planning and the logistics of staging EV racing demonstrations within the next year, towards the ultimate goal of launching a full-fledged EV racing series in the next 2-3 years.

“It’s gratifying to see such engagement and enthusiasm across the racing and energy ‘ecosystems’ for this project, kicking off the process here at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” Mitchell noted. 

“Indianapolis is building a reputation as the electric car capitol of the U.S., and we’re already the racing capitol of the world,” he finished. “It makes perfect sense to bring the two together as a means to advance and demonstrate the performance of these cars, which is improving by leaps and bounds.”

About Energy Systems Network: The Energy Systems Network (ESN) is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. It is a non-profit industry-driven economic organization focused on the development of the energy technology “cleantech” sector. ESN provides project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members to bring new energy technologies to market. ESN partners include a wide range of Fortune 500 firms, emerging technology companies, and research and educational institutions with expertise in advanced technology vehicles, distributed power generation, advanced biofuels, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. 

On the heels of the 7,000th delivery in the United States, Nissan North America Inc. is expanding availability of Nissan LEAF, the world’s first and only all-electric car for the mass market.

Orders for the 2012 Nissan LEAF begin today in Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. Deliveries of the LEAF, enriched for the 2012 model year with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features, will take place in these key markets by December.

“Consumers have spoken, and it’s clear that they are looking for a car that produces zero emissions and uses no gas,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. “We are seeing tremendous consumer interest in the Nissan LEAF in these new markets, particularly in the New York metropolitan area.”

A prioritized ordering phase begins today for individuals with existing reservations in these new markets. On Oct. 3, Nissan will open new reservations and orders to the general public. Nissan will expand into additional new markets as the year continues. By the end of the year, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will be added as markets where the Nissan LEAF will be available for order.

With thousands Nissan LEAF drivers and enthusiasts actively discussing their experiences in online forums and in Nissan social media communities, Nissan also is announcing the launch of the “Go Electric” Owner’s Blog. This new online destination, NissanLeafDrivers.com, will feature weekly content from 14 Nissan LEAF owners who will share personal experiences of owning a 100-percent electric vehicle. Nissan aims for the site to be a gathering place for potential and current Nissan LEAF owners to discuss electric vehicle ownership.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award. For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

The Nissan LEAF™ "drive electric tour" makes a pit stop in Indianapolis on September 2-4 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The new Nissan LEAF™ is the first and only mass-produced, 100% electric, zero gas, no tailpipe vehicle. The "drive electric tour" sponsored by the 100% electric Nissan LEAF™ will provide consumers the opportunity to learn about the car, its technology, its features and to actually take it for a test-drive (registration available but not required to test drive).

To schedule a drive time, visit their website at www.drivenissanleaf.com.

ESN's Board Chairman, Tom Snyder (President of Ivy Tech Community College) wrote a letter to the editor at the Indianapolis Star this week praising the efforts of ESN parter Cummins, Inc. Take a look at his letter below, or view it on the Indy Star's website.

It may be a function of Hoosier modesty, or the old adage that admiration and familiarity are strangers, but it often takes an outsider's perspective to remind us about what's truly exceptional in our everyday lives. I was struck by this feeling leafing through Fortune magazine's latest annual Fortune 500 list.

At No. 186 was Cummins, the Columbus-based engine-maker. That's no surprise; Most of us are familiar with Cummins, and have some idea of its size and recent success. We regard Cummins as a valued partner in our effort at Ivy Tech Community College, as well as other organizations I'm involved with, like the Energy Systems Network and Conexus Indiana.

But as I read further, I was amazed by how this Indiana manufacturing stalwart stacks up against its peers.

From 2009 to 2010, Cummins climbed from No. 218 to No. 186 on the list of the nation's 500 biggest companies, boasting more than 22 percent growth in revenues. And that's just the beginning.

Over the past decade, Cummins boasts the best growth in profits of any U.S. company. An automotive manufacturer, outpacing dot-com juggernauts like eBay and Apple, insurance and health-care giants, biotech pioneers. It beats its nearest competitor by more than 10 percent in annual earnings-per-share growth. So it's no surprise that Cummins also represents the second-best investment for shareholders over the past five years.

Clearly, Cummins' growth is due to successive generations of visionary management willing to make aggressive moves. Cummins was a pioneer in exploring overseas markets in the 1960s, and today thrives in places like China, India and Brazil. The company also is on the cutting edge of green technologies: A Cummins engine powered the first diesel-electric hybrid truck in 2005; the company is a leader in putting hybrid busses on our streets, and a partner in the Energy Systems Network initiative to bring new energy innovations to market here in Indiana.

Through it all, Cummins has been unwavering in its commitment to southeastern Indiana. Over the past six years, the company has invested more than $300 million into new facilities and expansions in the region, projects that will account for more than 2,000 jobs.

Manufacturing is leading Indiana's economic recovery. While the nation as a whole suffers through a largely jobless recovery, manufacturing employment in Indiana has grown nearly 5 percent since the end of the recession. Clean technologies and renewable energy offer promising economic opportunities for our state. It's easy to forget that these macro-economic trends are based on the collective efforts of thousands of firms across the state, led by extraordinary businesses like Cummins.

Cummins has been a valued corporate citizen and a steady contributor to our state's economic growth, engaged in critical issues like workforce development. But even so, it sometimes takes a moment like reading the Fortune report to remind us of how fortunate we truly are to count Cummins among our home state headquarters.

In 1919, 40 years after Col. Eli Lilly decided to launch his own medical wholesale company 45 miles north in Indianapolis, a businessman named W.G. Irwin decided to help a self-taught mechanic named Clessie Cummins start his own diesel engine business. Out of such historical footnotes, economies are built -- and Cummins continues to support the vitality of Indiana's economy today.

Snyder is president of Ivy Tech Community College.

In November 2010, ESN partner Duke Energy Corporation and Chinese vehicle and technology manufacturer BYD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on technologies for energy storage, electric transportation and smart grid applications as well as to explore further joint business development opportunities.

Since that time, BYD has also discussed with ESN the opportunity to deploy BYD's electric buses and e6 passenger vehicles in the US. BYD recently brought the two vehicles to the 2011 Clean Cities Stakeholder Summit in Indianapolis for the Day at the Track. Take a look at some of the pictures of BYD's vehicles in the gallery below. For more information on the BYD vehicles, visit their website at www.byd.com.

On May 6^th, President Obama visited Indianapolis and spoke at Allison Transmission, which is investing nearly $150 million in private capital and federal grants to expand its hybrid transmission line, creating 250 new jobs in the process.

President Obama, Vice-President Biden, and senior Department of Energy officials have come to the Hoosier State repeatedly to emphasize the administration’s clean technology agenda, for a simple reason – it’s in their interests to celebrate success, and Indiana is at the vanguard of this movement.

In electric vehicles (EVs) in particular, the state’s assets are enviable. Manufacturers like THINK, Bright Automotive, and Navistar, major hybrid component producers like Allison, Cummins, and Remy, advanced battery developers like EnerDel, automotive electronics leaders like Delphi…the list goes on. 

Through Central Indiana’s Project Plug-IN initiative, we’re also on the cutting-edge of deploying these vehicles.  This effort has already placed 100+ EVs with commuters and in fleet operations along with charging infrastructure; working with local utilities and other partners, we’re gathering data from these vehicles that will help hasten deployment in other communities.

Governor Mitch Daniels has also been a vocal proponent of the EV industry as a growing force in Indiana’s economy. His economic development team has been aggressive in supporting the growth of EV companies and suppliers, and the State of Indiana was the first customer for EVs in its fleets through Project Plug-IN. Support for EVs is a bipartisan proposition, as it should be: These advanced technology vehicles represent many of our shared interests, as Hoosiers and Americans. From an economic standpoint, the sector is a source of innovation and new jobs – high-tech engineering and manufacturing positions that are more resistant to outsourcing and offshoring.

Vehicle electrification also addresses a major national security issue, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and an environmental one, cutting a major source of carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

For consumers, EVs represent the wave of the future. We love our cars, and EVs are quickly evolving to meet our needs and wants as drivers. As hybrid and plug-in technologies have advanced, the size and performance of the vehicles have changed – just compare the first-generation Toyota Prius to the current third-generation model in terms of legroom, cargo space and power. Options are multiplying, as most major automakers are offering hybrid or fully-electric models. For those who don’t want to make any sacrifice in terms of luxury, BMW recently announced that a plug-in hybrid 5 Series will be available by 2013.

Some critics say that the EV market is being propped up by government subsidies, a product of federal rebates and tax credits that distort the natural forces of supply and demand. As an enthusiast of free markets, I’m sympathetic to this argument but believe it only tells one side of the story.

In fact, there are few industries as heavily supported by the federal government as the oil and gas sector. Oil subsidies cost U.S. taxpayers more than $4 billion a year – significantly more than the tax breaks and grants designed to put more EVs on our highways. But while the EV industry is relatively new, the oil industry has employed armies of lobbyists for decades with the single-minded purpose of cementing their various loopholes and allowances into the tax code. Singling out public sector incentives for electric vehicles ignores the federal largess that has flowed to oil and gas companies for generations.

It would be a principled position to argue for an end to all federal subsidies for transportation platforms – fossil fuels and electric vehicles alike, creating an even playing field. It’s estimated that stripping all government subsidies from the oil and gas industries would cause the price of a gallon of gasoline to soar to at least $10 a gallon. Under this scenario, electric cars would clearly be competitive in the marketplace, paying for themselves out of the avoided fuel costs.   

Indiana’s – and the nation’s – opportunity is to build an industry ecosystem that can thrive with or without government support, where companies across the electric vehicle and alternative energy supply chain can collaborate to advance new technologies and breakthroughs to make these cars more affordable and more practical for the average American commuter.

The Energy Systems Network is working to make this vision a reality – both to encourage new jobs and investment for the Hoosier economy and to lead the nation towards a future of energy independence and cleaner, less costly commutes.

Mr. Mitchell is President & CEO of the Energy Systems Network, an Indiana-based initiative focused on clean technology development. He previously served as Policy Director to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

You can view this letter to the editor as printed in the Indianapolis Star today by visiting indystar.com.

On May 7th, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Emerging Technology Day hosted over 70 plug-in electric vehicles at the track during the EV Rally.

Dominated by 28 THINK City EV's (predominately provided through ESN's Project Plug-IN) and about 20 Chevy Volts that had been test driven all day, plug-in vehicle owners brought their cars to the track to take a couple laps around the IMS oval.

Plug-in vehicles lined up in one of the on-site parking lots and by late afternoon, all PEV owners joined each other to prepare for their parade laps.

Many of the THINK City EVs that participated in the rally were purchased by participants in ESN's Project Plug-IN EV deployment initiative, which was supported by grant funding provided through the State of Indiana and the Indiana Office of Energy Development. Many of the PEV owners got to look at different vehicles, some coming as far away as Florida and South Carolina, to get an idea of what other PEV products are out there - the popular ones and the less traditional ones.

Everyone got to pause at the "yard of bricks" for a group photo, which can be seen on the IMS Flickr page here. Overall, being part of the EV Rally was a great opportunity for PEV owners to talk to each other about their vehicles and the new technology that made them possible, while turning heads at their quiet laps around the IMS track in the process.

President Obama: I want new breakthroughs in energy technology in Indiana

President Obama visited Indiana for the fifth time in his presidency today at Allison Transmission, an ESN partner, to applaud their efforts in being a leader in hybrid transmissions, thanks in part to a $62.8 million federal grant.

In addition to supporting Allison's energy efficient transmission systems, Obama also took the opportunity to propose a $7,500 tax rebate for consumers who purchase an electric vehicle. He explained that this technology is the future of the nation, and the US needs to invest in it now despite the economic downturn of recent years.

Obama touted his national energy plan by emphasizing the importance of continuing clean tech innovations in the U.S. and pushing for more research and development to become leaders in the field. "I don't want the new breakthrough technologies and the new manufacturing taking place in China and India. I want all those new jobs right here in Indiana, right here in the United States of America, with American workers, American know-how, American ingenuity," he said.

The President continued to praise Allison and the state of Indiana by stating, "...America's economy is always going to rely on outstanding manufacturing, where we make stuff -- where we're not just buying stuff overseas, but we're making stuff here, and we're selling it to somebody else. And that's what Allison is all about."

The following articles are available online with additional coverage of President Obama's visit to Indianapolis:

Indianapolis Star

Inside INdiana Business

Indiana Business Journal

White House release 

Obama to Discuss Energy in Indiana - Inside INdiana Business Report

Hybrid vehicle production in Indiana will be a key focus of President Barack Obama's visit to the state today. The president will be touring Allison Transmission in Indianapolis and will speak about U.S. energy policy. The company is currently investing more than $130 million to create a facility to produce drive systems for hybrid trucks.

ESN Board Chairman Tom Snyder (President of Ivy Tech Community College) will be in attendance.

View the complete press release and article here.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is kicking off its month-long celebration leading up to the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 on May 7th with the first annual Emerging Technology Day.
Some of the best, brightest young minds in America will display innovative renewable technologies for the automotive industry at the Emerging Tech Day. The event will feature exhibition competition at IMS by alternative-power vehicles in the Formula Hybrid and American Solar Challenge series and the Purdue evGrandPrix.

Any plug-in vehicle owner won't want to miss the EV Rally, where you can take your plug-in electric vehicle for a drive around the legendary track.

Admission is free and the gates are open to the public starting at 12 noon. For more information, visit the IMS website.

Gerry Dick interviews THINK spokesman Brendan Prebo to discuss how the EV manufacturer plans to capitalize on high gas prices and demonstrate the viability of all-electric vehicles.

Video

Hoosiers looking for relief from high gas prices - WTHR report
April 6, 2011

Today we launch ESN's new corporate website, which includes industry news, ESN related events and project information, as well as other helpful resources. Keep up to date on our blog, follow us on Twitter, and visit often to learn more about all of ESN's commercialization projects and how all our partner organizations are doing their part to help make Indiana a hub for energy innovation.