Last Thursday Chevrolet made three Volts available for Toronto fleet managers to test drive, and announced also that it would participate in a regional initiative involving the deployment of at least 300 plug-in electric vehicles by 2012.
Called FleetWise EV300, the program is being put on by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF), an environmental coalition that has invested more that $50 million in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) over the past 20 years.
GM Spokesman Jason Easton said he could not disclose the number of Volts that will ultimately be involved in the FleetWise EV300 project, “though we will aim to meet demand with our available supply,” he said.
On the other hand, Nissan did proudly announce it will commit 500 LEAFs to the program. If it does, will the TAF rename it the FleetWise EV500-plus or something like that?
Three Volts were made available for GTA fleet managers to test drive last Thursday.
We did not investigate that question, but a source close to the project we spoke with on background believes the 500 LEAFs that Nissan said it reserved for it might have been made for its “news value,” and Nissan will not really come up with that many.
While this is only speculation, some might not find it hard to believe if true – especially since Nissan has demonstrated the willingness to publicize other somewhat misleading assertions, not least of which can be found in its most recent commercial we all enjoyed over the weekend.
In any event, and coming back to what is verifiable, last week marked the first opportunity for fleet managers in Canada to test drive the Volt, and they reportedly came away impressed.
“Plug-in electric vehicles offer a tremendous opportunity for commercial vehicle fleet operators in the GTA to dramatically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” said Julia Langer, TAF’s chief executive officer. “By taking a leadership position and committing to green their fleets, our EV300 partners are enabling Toronto to benefit from the superior environmental performance of plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt.”
The idea behind FleetWise EV300 is to encourage commercial vehicle fleets in the GTA to work collaboratively to purchase, drive, charge, evaluate and promote plug-in electric vehicles.
Unlike electric-only vehicles with limited range, and which must be towed by fuel-guzzling tow trucks when their drivers inadvertently over-extend them, the Volt is being touted as a more practical choice for some applications.
“The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle without compromise,” said Kevin Williams, president of GM of Canada. “Through its extended range capabilities, the Chevrolet Volt is the only electric vehicle that provides the flexibility required for commercial fleets, where businesses can’t afford to be stranded with a depleted battery.”
Further, its thermally controlled lithium-ion battery pack is considered reliable for fleets operated even in the frigid Toronto winter.
Volts will soon be a fairly common sight in Canada.
As is the case elsewhere, fleets that operate hundreds of vehicles for a wide range of tasks are seen as natural “first adopters” for electric vehicle technology.
“Fleets have the sophistication and the motivation to take a strong interest in looking at where EVs could fit in their operations,” said Ben Marans, TAF’s manager of social innovation and transportation, including the FleetWise EV300 program. “Our fleet partners are very interested in integrating electric vehicles to reduce emissions and vehicle operating costs, and many have been eagerly anticipating this opportunity to experience the Chevrolet Volt for themselves.”
GM said the EV300 program is helping fleets assess and integrate electric vehicles with tools such as FleetCarma, a software package that helps fleets analyze the best fit for specific vehicles; the EValuation Calculator, which helps them determine the return on investment specifically for electric vehicles; and eDriver training, a program that recognizes that driving style can have a significant impact on EV performance.
FleetWise EV300 is also an information sharing, assessment and vehicle acquisition network, the TAF said, and fleet managers don’t have to go it alone in securing electric vehicles.
“Events like this Volt Ride ‘n Drive help our partners get the information they need to make smart choices when it comes to adding electric vehicles,” said Marans. “We’re very excited to be able to offer our partners a first look at the Volt, one of the most talked about electric vehicles in North America.”
Continuing to show itself keen on renewable energy, Chevrolet is featuring some of its Volt owners who are using their own solar power to recharge their electric cars.
One of these is Mark Hildebrandt who has been focused on clean energy since the 1970s. He now owns a company that installs solar panels – so naturally he relies on sun power to create the electricity for his primary needs.
“I made the switch to renewable energy a while ago, and thus with solar energy, I can power my house, charge my Volt and pump energy back into the grid, which I get credit for,” said Hildebrandt, owner of Sunventrix in Saline, Mich., and one of the first Volt purchasers in the state.
Chevrolet Volt owner Mark Hildebrandt in his driveway with his Volt, Monday, May 16, 2011. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet.)
“As more Volts are sold, I believe the demand for solar charging stations will increase,” he said. “I have spoken to a handful of Volt owners in Michigan that are really interested in charging their Volts from solar energy.”
Another Volt driver using the sun for battery power is ZD Wines‘ winemaster and CEO, Robert deLeuze. He has powered his Napa, Calif.-based winery exclusively on solar power since 2007. GM notes deLeuze often parks his Volt among the grape vines to recharge from the winery’s photovoltaic system.
As has been recently published, Chevrolet says OnStar data is showing the Volt is being used as intended – drivers are staying off of gasoline as much as possible so that 1,000 miles between fill-ups is the average.
“The majority of miles driven by Volt customers are powered electrically by the Volt’s battery,” said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director.
And while we are unsure of the cost-benefit math in the new six-acre solar array at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, and solar-powered charging facilities as well, it seems clear Chevrolet is reaping a publicity payback as it reinforces its commitment toward a greener public image.
ZD Wines Winemaster and CEO Robert deLeuze with his Volt and a solar panel array in the vineyard of his Napa, California-based winery Thursday, May 19, 2011. (Photo by Noah Berger for Chevrolet.)
GM says the “home of the Volt, is already using sunlight to charge Volts before they are loaded for transport to dealerships. The plant has a 20kW Solar Carport that houses 10 Volt charging stations. Additional charging stations are planned for other locations around the plant.”
How about you, GM-Volt readers? We know a few of you are also keen on solar energy. For those who have actually installed solar panels, have they proven a good value? Have they paid for themselves yet? How long did it take, if so? Was the payback over a lengthy time span, reasonably quick, or have you yet to break even?
With developments and decreasing costs, do you agree more and more will see the value of solar, and go off the grid with their own array(s) as time passes?
(5/29/11). UPDATED: We have since learned that the folks at General Motors are none-too impressed with the Nissan LEAF ad that takes a subtle jab at the Volt, although some are reluctant to offer much commentary.
Our colleagues at AutoGuide reported that rather than say nothing, GM product and brand communications chief Jason Laird chose a 140-character-or-less medium with which to toss back a cleverly worded barb.
“A carmaker poking gentle fun at our product ignores towtrucks they need and rental cars they recommend as backup to their product,” tweeted Laird, hinting at the LEAF’s limited range and reports that owners would be given free rental car days to help eschew concerns over range anxiety. Ouch!
It has already been said this brief spot showing the Volt was not even noticed by one observer, and others have said this ad is no big deal. OK, well everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Others, including GM do not think it is harmless or positive, but are otherwise not threatened by this copy of Plug In America’s idea.
In a brief online exchange Laird cited plausible deniability, commenting that he made no reference to anyone or anything, including the commercial, Nissan, or the LEAF. True, but we’ll agree with AutoGuide and say we think you’ll forgive us for thinking we can make the assumption and hold on to our journalistic integrity.
On the other hand, GM Spokesman Rob Peterson did have a couple things to say about Nissan’s latest ad.
“The commercial is cute, but it’s misleading and damaging to the EV movement,” Peterson said. His main issue with the ad, however, is in even comparing the two cars, which he sees as two very different vehicles based on their range capability.
“Many people are intrigued by electric cars but they don’t have the financial flexibility to own a second or even a third car. The Volt can be your only car.”
Ultimately, Peterson dismissed the spot, commenting that its, “long term effect will be relatively minimal.”
For those in the U.S. interested in driving a Volt, another GM or competitive product, GM is running its “Main Street in Motion” tour again this year.
The no-charge event will have 70 different vehicles from 25 competitive makes, and is scheduled for 14 locations around the country from June through November.
Unfortunately, the Toyota Prius, Nissan LEAF and other hybrid and electric cars are not listed to drive back-to-back against a Volt, for those who would be interested in such a comparison.
GM has also run a Volt Unplugged Tour to highlight just the Volt. Main Street in Motion promises a lot of variety and possibly fun as well.
Otherwise, GM promises a “a free, family friendly, no-pressure environment to compare Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Acura, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Toyota and other vehicles.”
Vehicles expected to be at the rolling test drive tour include:
Chevrolet Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Traverse, Corvette, Camaro, Malibu, Impala, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe, Tahoe Hybrid, and Avalanche; Buick Regal, LaCrosse and Enclave; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Sierra HD, Sierra Hybrid, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon Denali Hybrid; Acura TSX, MDX and TL; Dodge Ram 1500 and Ram 2500; Ford Taurus, Explorer, Expedition, F-150 and F-250; Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Ridgeline; Hyundai Elantra and Santa Fe; Lexus ES350; Nissan Murano and Maxima; Toyota Corolla, Camry, Tundra, Sequoia and RAV4.
The rules are pretty minimal. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be over 18 years old. Registration is recommended but not required.
The scheduled events are supposed to last an hour for the driver, but we imagine that depends on how many cars you wish to drive.
It will run rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather which might pose a safety hazard.
Kids can come too, but there is no child care. It is possible to put the child(ren) in the car to test features important to parents.
In all, it is an open event where GM is encouraging family and friends to attend.
GM Spokesman Rob Peterson mentioned this a while back, and said it is a good opportunity and quite unique.
It is also noteworthy that GM has the confidence to foot the bill for allowing its cars to be compared to competitive makes. It speaks well of the company’s self confidence in its products and personnel.
We do not know if more venues might be added, but the image shows where the planned ones are to be.
In the push to deliver more environmentally sustainable energy for an increasingly urbanized and technologically driven world, interest is growing among those in the power generation industry for a mix of existing clean energy plus flexible use of wind and solar energy.
At its unveiling yesterday in Paris, GE Energy said it spent $500 million to design its 510-megawatt FlexEfficiency 50 power plant. The company described it as a “breakthrough” for its ability make the most use of wind and solar power, although it focused on its core power generation from gas and steam which it viewed as viable for the next several decades.
According to the Financial Times, the plant’s gas turbine will initially be manufactured in France and targeted at the European Union where governments have set a goal that renewable power should provide 20 percent of all energy by 2020.
To accommodate a proliferation of electric cars and increasing reliance on energy worldwide, clean and efficient sources are needed. GE says its new gas and steam plus solar and wind-compatible power plant will help make this future possible.
“With global energy demand expected to double by 2030 and electricity generation accounting for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, utilities and government bodies are taking a hard look at how to produce power more efficiently,” said Ricardo Cordoba, president of GE Energy for Western Europe and North Africa. “This innovation can have a dramatic effect on CO₂ emissions and offers a nimble, efficient and cost-effective way for us to help EU countries in their pursuit of 20-20-20 energy goals.”
The FlexEfficiency 50 name given it by the Atlanta-based company denotes it is aimed first at the European market where the 50 Hz power generation cycle is most common. Its name also speaks of its innovative capabilities, GE Energy said.
“While power plants today can provide flexibility or high efficiency, this power plant will deliver an unprecedented combination of both,” GE Energy said, thus it “calls this combination of flexibility and efficiency ‘FlexEfficiency,’ which is essential if renewable power is going to cost-effectively integrate into power grids around the world on a large scale.”
Pictured at GE Energy’s launch yesterday in Paris of the FlexEfficiency 50 Combined Cycle Power Plant (L to R): Frederic Greiner, General Manager, Sales & Commercial Operations of Thermal Products; Paul Browning, Vice President of Thermal Products; Steve Bolze, President and CEO of GE Power & Water.
Although no plans for the U.S. are known at present, it is expected GE Energy’s technology will in time come here as energy demands require new plants to be constructed.
The Financial Times reported the U.S. has no prospects of enacting national controls on CO₂ emissions for the foreseeable future – which further explains why the American company GE Energy is marketing its power plant first in Europe. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed extensive action against local pollution such as mercury and arsenic, and this threatens the economics of older coal plants.
In the U.S., where a 60 Hz cycle is the norm, the plant might be designed to be a FlexEfficiency 60, although this is only speculation by a representative who asked not to be identified we spoke with on background.
FlexEfficiency 50 Combined Cycle Power Plant.
Regarding the European initiative, GE Energy said the FlexEfficiency 50 offers a record 61-percent efficiency. Thus far no customers have been announced in Europe either, but you can be sure that will probably not take long – nor will constructing a new plant, as it is designed to be built inside of two years, and is to be a model of maintenance efficiency as well.
The system centers around an integration of GE Energy’s highly evolved, jet engine technology based 9FB gas turbine and 109D-14 Steam Turbine. These work in conjunction with GE’s W28 generator and Heat Recovery Steam Generator to deliver enough energy to power 600,000 EU homes, while meeting stringent EU emissions standards.
“GE drew from the company’s jet engine expertise to engineer a plant that will ramp up at a rate of more than 50 megawatts per minute, twice the rate of today’s industry benchmarks,” GE Energy said. “Operational flexibility at these levels will enable utilities to deliver power quickly when it is needed and to ramp down when it is not, balancing the grid cost-effectively and helping to deploy additional renewable power resources like wind and solar.”
5/26/11, 2:30 E.S.T. UPDATE: GE Energy replied today this video is now on Youtube, so here you are.
GE Energy said the FlexEfficiency 50 plant is the first product in GE’s new FlexEfficiency portfolio and part of GE’s ecomagination commitment to drive clean energy technology through innovation and R&D investment.
GE noted it is on a roll in sustainable energy, and the launch follows its recent announcements of the world’s most efficient wind turbine, the highest reported efficiency for thin film solar and $11 billion in acquisitions that strengthen a portfolio supporting natural gas and power transmission.
“As our customers seek to increase their use of renewable energy, the challenge of grid stability sharpens. They are under added pressure to achieve higher levels of efficiency and lower emissions for natural gas power plants. The FlexEfficiency 50 plant creates an immense growth opportunity in a new segment for our gas turbine technology and is in lock-step with our commitment to build a cleaner energy future,” said Paul Browning, vice president – thermal products for GE Power & Water. “For years we have been working to develop technology that can, in the same breath, deliver breakthrough efficiency and deal head-on with the challenge of grid variability caused by wind and solar. The need for combined flexibility and efficiency is even more pressing today as countries around the world establish new emissions standards.”
The thinking behind Ecomagination.
On Tuesday this week, an International Energy Agency report concluded that large shares of variable renewable energy are feasible as long as power systems and markets are properly configured so that they can get the best use of their flexible resources.
GE Energy said the FlexEfficiency 50 Combined Cycle Power Plant meets these criteria.
As far as competition goes, GE Energy is in a race with Siemens of Germany, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, and Alstom of France, which the Financial Times said are increasingly designing and creating heavy-duty equipment intended to turn gas into electricity.
New methods and sources of extracting natural gas – and more recently – societal reaction to the results of Japan’s nuclear disaster in March, have helped spur more interest in natural gas.
GE Energy is reportedly the leading producer of gas turbines, and these are responsible for about a quarter of the company’s revenues.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Jeff Immelt, GE’s chief executive, said that a year ago “we basically thought the heavy-duty turbine shipments would be flat in 2011 and 2012, now we see growth this year, we see growth next year.”
Immelt contended that the world is at the start of a “natural gas power generation cycle,” which is being led by countries such as China and India, but could soon see demand return in the previously stagnant U.S. market.
ExxonMobil, the world’s largest private sector oil company has been investing heavily in natural gas. The company believes that from 2005 to 2030 the use of gas for power plants will rise by 85 percent, taking its share of the global generation mix from 22 to 27 percent.
W28 Generator.
The Financial Times noted that a new gas-fired plant can be built to generate electricity for about 6 cents per kilowatt hour due to decreased gas costs, whereas a new coal-fired plant’s costs would be about 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour, according to Navigant, a consulting company.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, the world’s third-largest gas turbine manufacturer, has been investing in plants to make components and assemble turbines in the US. Alstom, the fourth largest, hopes to re-enter the U.S. market with a new product after being locked out since 2001, when problems emerged with its GT24 turbine.
The Financial Times also interviewed John Krenicki, the vice-chairman of GE in charge of its energy business. He said the group was “looking at a 25-year, very bullish market” for gas, and making acquisitions and investing in new products to profit from it.
“It’s not that we don’t like renewables or nuclear: they are there for the long haul,” Krenicki said, “But there has been a step change in the gas opportunity for power generation that makes it extremely competitive against other forms of power.”
About GE Energy: The company is a part of GE, a 300,000-employee, 100-plus-country corporation (NYSE: GE). Its self description says: “The businesses that comprise GE Energy www.ge.com/energy – GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas – work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.”
The new General Motors’ stock price may be hovering around its IPO levels, but just the same, recent analysis suggests it may regain preeminence as the world’s leading automaker.
Based on respective first quarter results, Forbes’ blog reports GM is trending toward surpassing Toyota, which since 2008 has ranked above GM as the world’s largest auto manufacturer.
The face of the new GM.
For the recently completed first quarter, GM’s unit sales surged ahead by 11% year-over-year, whereas Toyota’s unit sales dipped by around 12% during the same period.
Now Toyota is facing increased challenges in the aftermath of Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami. At the same time, GM has weathered its own financial earthquake and tsunami – in the form of bankruptcy and restructuring – and is now rebounding.
According to Forbes the linchpin to GM’s potential reversal since the darkest days of its financial woes, is Asia, and particularly, China.
Unlike in Japan, GM has managed to gain respectable market share in China, the world’s largest auto market.
Granted, half of GM’s sales in China come via its joint ventures, it nonetheless can claim these as part of its increasing global strength.
Several Asian sub markets are also on the rise, and Forbes credits these as part of the total of GM’s possible rise to the number one spot again.
In contrast, the Japanese giant, Toyota along with other major Japanese auto companies, is reducing worldwide production due to supply line failures.
Declining Japanese consumer confidence is projected to compound the tangible problems as that society is still reeling from the effects of the tragic natural disaster.
