join one billion people in 1760 cities around the world. march 27, 2010, 8:30 pm local time.
We are inviting communities, business and governments to switch off their lights! Be part of this historic event. There are
5,635,485 people globally newly signed up for Earth Hour this year. The global cities. The US cities. AND NEW earth hour kids.
The 2010 Automotive Executive of the Year Innovator Award will be presented to Elon Musk, Chairman, Product Architect and CEO for Tesla Motors. Tesla to host an event at the Geneva Motor Show. via prweb [RK]
from concept to reality.
above: on show at the tokyo auto show the yamaha EC-f is an electric motorcycle/scooter that sports a lightweight aluminum frame, a lithium-ion battery and a 0.6 kWh electric motor. the EC-f also uses a standard plug that works with any AC outlet. the original concept to this scooter may be the bike below…
above: this scooter concept, named koala, was created by dario caroselli a few years ago and was rumored that yamaha might produce it. the concept was an electric scooter that was an intelligent vehicle. the special feature was the movement of the double swing arms that looks a bit like x-box.
above: the scoota is a concept designed by stuart emmerson. it has an in-wheel brushless hub motor to create an entirely sustainable electric personal commuter. of interest is the way the scooter collapses. the roboscooter below does too.
above: the RoboScooter folding electric scooter, developed by the mit media lab, smart cities group. Features in-wheel electric motors, lithium-ion batteries, and a cast aluminum frame. the RoboScooter can also be produced in non-folding models.
RoboScooters functional equivalents are 50cc gasoline-powered scooters and can be recharged in their racks. The scooters win the buckminister fuller challenge.
above: the zero emission nope 1500L has a 1500 watt/1.5kWh/48V motor powered by a silicon sealed lead acid battery. recharge time is 6-8 hrs and costs only 20-25 cents per full charge.
foldable, portable charging mat, perfect for travel.
wirelessly charges up to 3 powermat-enabled devices simultaneously (plus one USB power port).
works with all powermat receivers.
Includes:
* portable mat
* universal, international power supply (Energy Star level 5, 100-240V) with built-in cord management
* travel case with magnetic closure
* powercube Universal Receiver with 8 tips
Producer: powermat
above: arrival at alice springs. recharging after arrival at Alice Springs (we came in with more than 120 km’s of range left, which made the recharge a quick one).
above: hackett and prelgauskas are driving hackett’s red 2008 roadster as part of the 10th annual global green challenge, one of the most high-profile rallies worldwide for production, prototype and experimental cars. Hackett is providing updates in real time on his blog.
The pair drove from alice springs, in the australian northern territory, to the finish marker at a point 183 km north of coober pedy, in south australia.
above: motor sport manager from the south australian motor sport board, jeffmattner,
applies a seal to the Roadster’s “fuel tank”.
above: simon hackett, as he sets off to break the world distance record for a production electric vehicle
above: simon and emilis making history with 313 (501 KM) miles on single charge
above: internode’s favorite road marker on the entire stuart highway
Producer: tesla motors
source: treehugger
An EU ban comes into force on Tuesday making it illegal for retailers and wholesalers to import most of the old-style bulbs.
It means once stocks have run out, the only ones available will be the more pricey, low energy variety. via news.sky [RK]
Though the designer’s intent is different, this concept works for me when the clock shows elapsed time the light is on: An eco – consciousness device.
Designer: ryan harc
via todaytommorrow
Co-design challenge winner Aston Martin and architecture super-firm Foster + Partners have teamed up to give the famed double-decker Routemaster a makeover.
Designed in collaboration with Aston Martin in response to Transport for London’s competition to design a new bus for the city. There are two first place winning design challenges pre-opinions with a vehicle that is environmentally sensitive, accessible and reinvents a much-loved symbol of London for the modern era. After an intense period of research which included canvassing opinion from passengers, drivers and conductors, the team worked to design a new bus from the inside-out. In doing so, consideration was given to a wide range of issues including layout, use of materials, motive power, passenger experience and the impact of the bus on the environment of the city.
The bus is designed to navigate the dense and varied streets of London, employing innovative technologies to allow for greater maneuverability and energy conservation. Optimizing safety, the driver’s cabin provides panoramic views as well as incorporating screens to supervise CCTV images and radio communications with the on-board conductor. Much like a car or a building, the design evolved in response to the needs of its users. The layout, lighting and wooden floors are conceived to encourage a spirit of warmth and community. The arrangement of the decks is driven by comfort and particular consideration is given to the selection of reconstituted leather upholstery to create a tactile ‘living room’ feel, especially in the saloon-like lower deck.
The new bus is zero emissions ready, accessible for all and will set new standards for sustainable public service vehicles. Passengers benefit from views from the top of the deck through a glazed roof which incorporates solar cells to absorb sunlight and generate energy. By filtering daylight the internal temperature is well controlled. The bus design re-introduces the rear open access platform that made London’s Routemaster bus so popular up until its withdrawal from general service. This is supplemented by a side door to facilitate access for those with impaired mobility as well as families with young children.
Below: Co-winner and alternate bus concept by capoco design
Concept motorcycle designed to run on electricity.
Nicolas Petit has designed the Harley Davidson Trunk concept – a bike designed to run on clean, zero emission electricity.
Designer: Nicolas Petit
The Peugeot Capsule concept is a single-seat off-road vehicle that was inspired by do-everything adventure touring motorcycles like the Kawasaki KLR 650.
Unlike a motorcycle the Capsule would provide weather protection, plus enough storage to allow for extended overnight adventures. Of interest, a single touch screen that would control vehicle functions and offer internet-enabled satellite connectivity.
Electric motors would provide propulsion to all four wheels, and a roof-mounted solar panel would help keep the batteries topped up on sunny days. Once stopped, a removable luggage rack would double as a stool or desk at the campsite.
Designer: Alp Germaner
Producer: Peugeot
{VIA]
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