More on the Auto Industry from Wayne Goldman

August 26, 2009

Here’s an additional conversation with Wayne Goldman that I thought readers would find interesting. I happened to have rented an Audi A4 diesel when I was in Spain a couple of weeks ago that got well over 50 MPG. I remember wondering if we’re so concerned about gas mileage why we couldn’t have such a car in the US. But I forgot about that until Wayne wrote back to me as follows:

I’ll put together an outline of an article for your feedback…actually, I’m down on the entire automotive industry…I’ve been a car buff since the 50′s when I was driving a supercharged street rod…I’ve owned a wide assortment of classic sports cars and have seen the auto industry push the gimmicks rather then the technology…I was in California in the mid 50′s when the Volkswagen Beetle became the hot car…I could not believe how a car that was so different from the typical Detroit iron became such a fad…I bought one in 1956 and I started to believe that honest engineering would succeed…we really don’t need 3,000 to 4,000 pound vehicles as commuters…

We will only be able to live on this planet when we accept the fact that we are throwing away our resources by designing and building homes and cars that are not liveable…If Lotus can build a sports car with an 1,800 cc Toyota engine that can compete with Corvettes and Ferraris…and the Europeans are getting 50 MPG with their diesel powered cars…why can’t we utilize existing proven technology in this country…we’re the wealthiest country on earth and we don’t have high speed trains…something is wrong…I’m 75 and still riding my motorcycle…Sorry but I had to get that off my chest…I feel better already…

I wrote back: Yes.  Something, indeed, is wrong.

By Craig Shields | Posted in Electric Vehicles | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles

August 14, 2009

A reader writes in:

A lot of acceptable solutions for electric passenger cars (light duty vehicles) were already proposed and I agree that are very viable. Unfortunately for heavy vehicles (interurban buses and trucks) are not so many.

I see this changing quickly, driven in part by government mandates. There are 70,000 diesel container movers operating in the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor, and the state of California is getting extremely tough on diesel emissions. In response, companies that offer heavy-duty EVs like Balqon are springing up. My consulting company, EV World Associates, happens to have dealings with them. I love their design; 140 kWh battery packs line the sides.

By Craig Shields | Posted in Electric Vehicles | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Until We Have Renewable Energy, Take a Look at Diesel TEK

July 29, 2009

As I’ve mentioned in my writings (as if it’s not obvious), the transition to renewable energy will not happen overnight. This means that, for the coming few decades, prudence requires us all to take steps to use all our existing energy-related technologies in the most efficient manner possible.

This is a concept that is most certainly not lost on Lance Miller, President of a start-up headquartered in Las Vegas, NV called Diesel TEK. The company offers a unique approach and capability to those responsible for the cost-efficient and environmentally responsible operation of diesel engines. Such engines occupy an extremely prominent position in today’s world of transportation and power generation; at this point, diesels move over 70% of all goods in the US.

I believe that when most of us think of diesel engines, we think instantly of freight hauling on our interstates. But there are literally dozens of other huge applications for diesel: waste management, buses, railroads, construction, farming, ocean shipping, power generation, etc. The result is millions of diesel engines spewing noxious gases and particulate matter in the exhaust emissions into our atmosphere every day. And it’s not just ugly; recent reports point to diesel emissions as the cause of most cases of cancer.

“There is no power plant available now to replace diesel,” says Miller. “Diesel TEK’s goal is to reduce diesel emissions to as close to zero as possible. We do that through a total rethinking of the combustion process. Diesel TEK offers a number of related diesel technologies that take an absolutely new approach to the complete combustion of the diesel molecule.”

I asked Lance to name what he feels to be the most stimulating thing that happening with the company right now. “We have significant interest from two of the largest diesel truck manufactures, and well as one of the nation’s largest fleets.” he replied. “It’s exciting. When people see proof that they can lower their costs of both fuel and maintenance — and lower the emission and carbon footprint — trust me, it doesn’t take much selling. Our solution is both environmentally and economically friendly; it makes sense every way you look at it.”

“Might the company be acquired by one of these giants?” I asked. “It’s possible, but it’s not our mission. We’re a purpose-driven company; the principles are in to for the game of cleaning up diesel, not for a quick buck,” Miller notes. “I see a long-term commitment and steady, solid growth.”

Again, a company with a real future — and a powerful purpose.

By Craig Shields | Posted in Renewables - Business | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)