Oconomowoc students to ride on plug-in hybrid school buses

From a article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Town of Oconomowoc — Sandy Syburg has driven school buses for years - but none like these.

When they start rolling on their routes next week, these hybrid electric school buses won't lurch forward the way conventional school buses do.

A diesel engine is least efficient when it's trying to get a 27,000-pound vehicle moving from a full stop, Syburg said. Thanks to the hybrid technology, the electric motor kicks in first, with lithium-ion batteries powering the bus forward from a stop.

"It's very smooth. It's like a gust of wind when you're sailing," said Syburg, chief executive of Oconomowoc Transport Co.

In the bus terminal, Syburg can plug an electrical cord into the side of the bus so that solar panels can charge the batteries that run the vehicle's electric motor.

To date, more than 100 hybrid school and commercial buses have rolled off of the IC Bus LLC assembly line since 2007. Eleven of them are plug-in hybrid electric school buses in Oconomowoc, ready to start the school year next week.

The investment, aided by a state grant through the federal stimulus package, aims to reduce diesel fuel use by 7,500 gallons a year. That would provide savings of $26,000 in fuel costs for the Oconomowoc Area School District at today's diesel prices.

When they're done with their morning school run, the buses will return to the bus company on Brown St. and their batteries will be recharged with the help of 224 solar panels that were erected by Renewable Energy Solutions of Waukesha.

It's the first solar-electric charging station in the state, and it's ready to power the biggest fleet of plug-in hybrid school buses in the country.

The buses are projected to result in saving because of a 50% gain in fuel economy. A typical bus gets 7 miles per gallon, but the hybrid technology will boost that to 12.

"It's a little glimpse of the future; it's very impressive," said Mike Barry, assistant superintendent of the district. The district will seek to incorporate the solar-powered hybrids into its curriculum.

"We're trying to make some links between the curriculum that the students learn about in school and the real world," he said. "When the connection is as immediate as the very bus that takes you to and from school, that's a powerful connection."

Make a few changes in your driving habits to save money

From Madison Gas & Electric:

A few changes in your driving habits could save you money and gasoline. Hypermilers say it's easy... and anyone can do it.You don't have to drive an electric car or hybrid to drive more sustainably. In this story, we hit the road with an expert hypermiler to learn what it takes to go the extra
mile.

Howard's efforts toward sustainability recognized

From an article by Malavika Jagannathan in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

HOWARD — The village is getting closer to becoming more energy efficient and practicing sustainable development.

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, a membership organization of local governments committed to environmental protection, recognized the village for its work to chronicle its greenhouse gas emissions for a year.

Howard is the second municipality in Wisconsin, after Madison, to achieve this standing in the group's five-step milestone program.

Seven Wisconsin communities are a part of this organization: Fitchburg, Howard, Madison, Marshfield, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Racine.

Municipalities are asked to calculate greenhouse gas emission for a base year and a forecast year from all municipal operations, including buildings, streetlights, motor vehicles and wastewater treatment facilities.

Howard's report shows that vehicle transportation makes up most of the village's carbon footprint, making up about 53 percent of the 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted from village sources.

Bio-diesel project takes 1st place for Appleton East students

From an article by Kathy Walsh Nufer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON —Appleton East High School students are already reaping the rewards of a bio-diesel hybrid project they began last winter with a $10,000 grant from State Farm and an environmentally friendly idea.

Peter Worley, automotive instructor, recently accompanied students Omar Martinez and Heather Ruhl to Kansas City, Mo. where they presented their project — a high-mileage truck that is powered by electricity and bio-diesel fuel — as part of a State Farm Insurance showcase at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

A team of more than 10 judges was so impressed the project took first place in a competition with 11 other schools from around the country that had also been recipients of State Farm grants aimed at stimulating student environmental awareness and commitment to bettering their communities.

"That award gives us another $3,000 for our project, which is huge," Worley said, adding that this is special because East was the first national winner ever in State Farm's Innovation in Sustainability contest. "Heather and Omar did a fantastic job."

Worley is certain widespread participation in the project, from the local employers that donated time, equipment and money, to the varied contributions of East students in screen printing, photography, Web design, electronics, welding, machining, manufacturing, chemistry and biology, put the East project over the top.

Plymouth high schoolers build innovative vehicle; compete in electric car contest at Road America

From a news release issued by Orion Energy Systems:

MANITOWOC, Wis. — May 12, 2010 — Plymouth, Wis., high school seniors Bob Chase and Brenden Schulz have developed a battery powered car that could serve as a prototype for future innovations — like a vehicle that harnesses the sun’s energy to power itself.

The students, both 18, built the vehicle for Electrathon, a contest in which teams compete to see which battery-powered car can complete the most laps in an hour. The goal of Electrathon is to bring attention to the environmental problems of conventional cars and demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles, according to the Wisconsin Electrathon program.

The Plymouth High School car, one of approximately 15 in its class, was sponsored by Orion Energy Systems (NYSE Amex: OESX). This is the first year Plymouth High School built an electric car and competed in Electrathon.

The car competed in two events recently, the first on April 30 and May 1 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton and Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna respectively; and one event on May 9 and 10, at Road America in Elkhart Lake.

“These students represent the future of sustainable technologies and we’re proud to support their efforts,” said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. “The technologies these students are developing are technologies that will make a significant, positive impact on the environment, something we support at Orion and something that will affect us all.”

Hybrid Vehicles – How they Work

From a hybrid vehicle primer created by ECOS-Fox Valley:

Internal combustion engine (ICE) + Electric motor powered by batteries.

Battery recharging is taken care of automatically,
No driver attention needed for the life of the batteries.

Link: Hybrid vehicle drivetrains*
*All blue underlines are live links to internet sites:
OEM home sites
Wikipedia

Program restarts: Badgers love 'Clunkers' cash

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

The experts continue to debate the pros and cons of the "Cash for Clunkers" rebate program, but Wisconsin car buyers have already given it a big thumbs-up.

Wisconsin is 10th in the amount of cash requested from the program based on figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation released this week.

Of the nearly $775 million in clunker cash requests so far, more than $24 million came from Wisconsin. Michigan, California and Ohio were the top three states.

The U.S. Senate has approved another $2 billion for the program, which was initially funded with $1 billion.

Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System Act, the measure provides up to $4,500 in taxpayer subsidy for those who trade in an old vehicle for a more efficient model. To qualify, the old car needs to get 18 miles per gallon or less while the new one must get at least 22 mpg.

Too popular Cash for Clunkers suspended

From an article in the Wisconsin State Journal:

WASHINGTON — The government plans to suspend its popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns it could quickly use up the $1 billion in rebates for new car purchases, congressional officials said Thursday.

The Transportation Department called lawmakers’ offices to alert them to the decision to suspend the program at midnight Thursday. The program offers owners of old cars and trucks $3,500 or $4,500 toward a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. . . .

A White House official said later that officials were assessing the situation facing the popular program but auto dealers and consumers should have confidence that transactions under the program that already have taken place would be honored. . . .

Congress last month approved the Car Allowance Rebate System program, known as CARS, to boost auto sales and remove some inefficient cars and trucks from the roads. The program kicked off July 24 and was heavily publicized by car companies and auto dealers.

Through late Wednesday, 22,782 vehicles had been purchased through the program and nearly $96 million had been spent. But dealers raised concerns about large backlogs in the processing of the deals in the government system, prompting the suspension.

UWFox to "Pump it Up for the Earth!" in Menasha, April 24

The University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley is hosting a special Earth Week event on Friday, April 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Pump it Up for the Earth!” Students, faculty and staff are participating in the event and will be checking tire pressure on cars and then inflating the tires to proper levels, if needed. “Pump it Up” is being held in the main circle driveway area on the west side of the campus, near the Barlow Planetarium

According to Joy Perry, lecturer in biological sciences, “The event is being marketed to UWFox students, faculty and staff, and the general public is invited to participate as well.”

“Keeping tire pressure at levels recommended by the car manufacturer can increase fuel economy and reduce tire wear,” Perry said. “In addition, there are environmental, economic, and safety benefits of having tires inflated properly.“

UW-Fox Valley is located at 1478 Midway Rd. in Menasha

Wisconsin ridesharing Web site goes statewide

A news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Any commuter in Wisconsin who would like to find someone to “share the ride” to work, may now access the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT’s) interactive ride matching service online. A program that was originated several years ago for residents of the heavily populated southeastern region of the state is now available statewide.

“We are pleased to offer this interactive service to commuters across the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi. “Ridesharing saves money for commuters, reduces the number of cars on the road during the busiest hours of the day and reduces pollution from car exhaust. Now, commuters in areas that are faced with some of the longest commutes will have an equal opportunity to find carpool matches.”

Karen Schmiechen, program manager for the Wisconsin Rideshare Program, said the program is easy to use, free and without obligation. Commuters enter their commute information and immediately receive matches for carpooling, vanpooling, park and ride lots and even biking. The computer shows matches with similar commutes and work hours. Bikers are also matched by level of expertise. Users make their own contacts with matches to set up ridesharing arrangements.

The program was computerized two years ago, and has become so popular WisDOT decided to make it available to all state residents.

Wisconsin is one of many states and municipalities across the country offering this service. As gasoline prices fluctuate, and the economy remains unstable, ridesharing is a viable alternative, saving dollars and the environment.

For more information go to the state’s Rideshare Web site.

April 2 meeting features transportation plan discussion

The April 2nd meeting of ECOS-FV will feature a presentation and discussion on:

The Five Year Transportation Plan (TDP) for the Fox Valley
By Deborah Wetter, General Manager of Valley Transit
& Jason Kakatsch, Principal Transpration Planner of the East Central Regioanl Planning Commission

Date: Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Place: Menasha Public Library, on the corner of Racine and First Streets
Room: Company E Room in the lower level
Admission: Free and Open to the Public
Doors to Open at 6:00 PM

The plan formation that they will discuss included a number of community surveys and several public meetings which gathered input from the community which they will share with us.

They will also review the status of the current discussions with the Menasha area communities around exploration for more flexible service options. The questions and answers portion of the evening with the community at large will be your chance to present constructive suggestions and ideas for planning consideration.

Please address any questions about the event to Roger Kanitz, Co-Chair ECOS-FV at 920-722-6438.

Brown County's air among worst in U.S.

From an article by Tony Walter in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

The health of the air in Brown County ranks among the worst in the United States, according to a recently released study of fine particle pollution by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Brown County is one of 54 new counties that received a negative designation based on three successive years of being graded below the federal government's soot standards. In all, 211 counties did not meet the EPA's standards.

"It's no surprise to us," said Richard Wulk, air management supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Northeast Region. "It's from fuel combustion, cars, diesel trucks and power plants that burn coal. They produce small particles that can create deep lung irritants and that can cause problems."

It's a health issue that has continued to fly under the radar in the county, according to Dr. Manar Alshahrouri, a pulmonologist with the Sleep & Respiratory Care Department at the Prevea Allouez Health Center.

"Absolutely, it's a problem," Alshahrouri said. "There is medical data that supports the fact that across the board there is an increase in incidence of problems and a significant reduction in lung function (in counties graded poorly) compared to people in less polluted areas."

Petri inspects alternative cars

A media release issued by Rep. Tom Petri:

WASHINGTON - With Detroit auto executives in town seeking a loan from the government, General Motors thought it would be a good time to display new technology next to the Capitol Building. Rep. Tom Petri took the opportunity to inspect experimental hydrogen-powered vehicles and to learn about the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in electric-gasoline hybrid which GM has scheduled for commercial production in Nov. 2010.

Greg Cesiel, GM's Program Director for the Volt and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program, told Petri that the Volt drives 40 miles before depleting its battery, at which point a gasoline motor kicks in.

"And almost 80 percent of the people in this country drive less than 40 miles a day on a daily commute, which means they would drive every day using no petroleum, no emissions, and be able to just charge at home to be able to fuel the vehicle," he said.

Cesiel said that electricity from the grid can power a car for 2 cents per mile while gasoline in a conventional vehicle can cost 12 cents per mile.

"One of the keys to energy independence and to controlling the cost of energy is to use off-peak power," Petri noted. "If we can plug in our cars at night and then run them during the day, we won't even need new generating capacity. We can use what we already have."

Another strike against oil: Mother Nature's wrath

From an editorial in The Northwestern (Oshkosh):

It was certainly no butterfly. But hard to dispute we aren't feeling the "flap of its wings."

The spiking variations in gas prices around the Oshkosh area and the Fox Valley in the wake of Hurricane Ike supply more motivation to pursue alternative energy sources. Obviously, Mother Nature hasn't a care about the location of domestic oil rigs and refineries.

On Monday, the price of an unleaded gallon of gasoline was on its way up, anywhere from $3.80 at one Oshkosh filling station to $4.20 at another in Fond du Lac. If you don't like Ike, we understand. It's having an impact on gasoline prices everywhere.

Do our congressional and presidential candidates care to talk about this most recent and potent shortcoming of oil and its production as the rhetoric heats up on more drilling in North America's hurricane alley?

Does the latest pain at the pump everyday people in places like Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Appleton endure matter – places far from hurricane territory yet places, as of Monday, trying to fathom a 40-cent variation in surging unleaded gasoline rates?

Ike's wrath is only the latest reminder of all the limitation that comes with oil and our addiction to it. News flash: Its production and price are at the mercy of monster storms … in addition to Middle Eastern interests that control it and don't share our purest, most democratic, most fundamental human values. Not to mention its limited supply globally… not to mention the pollution it causes. Only an addict would tolerate all of these unhealthy drawbacks to feed his cravings.

For a nation that put human beings on the moon almost 40 years ago, our approach to pushing for renewable, alternative, clean sources of energy is weak, and Ike's wake reminds us of that.

Our push for things like hydrogen-fired, clean-burning automobiles is anemic when it should be surging, itself the focus — the raging eye — of a presidential campaign and election. Real leadership and real solutions on alternative energy have been relegated to a few lines of a political speech, no focused, attainable energy challenge laid before the feet of the American people other than unformulated energy independence benchmarks.

Businesses eye hybrid trucks

From an article by Nathan Phelps in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

ASHWAUBENON — At first glace, the white T270 Kenworth delivery truck looks like many others seen on the road.

But what sets this vehicle apart from others — to the eye — is a box about the size of an oversized piece of luggage attached to the chassis on the driver's side.

That box, and the 340-volt lithium-ion battery packed in it, are part of a diesel-electric hybrid system that Kenworth and other truck manufacturers are rolling out in the face of $4.18 diesel prices and tightening environmental expectations.

"The people we have talked to have been pretty proactive about it, but there's still not enough knowledge out there so we have to teach them about it," said Dave Long, a truck sales specialist with Wisconsin Kenworth in Ashwaubenon.

In essence, the delivery truck's system switches power between several modes: electric only, combined diesel and electric; and diesel power depending on driving conditions. For example, electric power is used on acceleration to get the truck moving and when more horsepower is needed the diesel engine engages.

Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine, according to information from the company.

The hybrid system, manufactured by Eaton, is expected to boost fuel efficiency by about 30 percent when used in the stop-and-go slow traffic.

Kenworth also is rolling out a utility model of the truck, the T370, which uses the same modes when driving, but also allows users to shut off the truck's diesel engine when using machinery on the back — a boom, for example — in favor of the truck's electric motor.

In traditional utility models, the engine remains in idle to power gear on the back, said Joe Morris, a regional sales manager for medium-duty trucks for Kenworth.

The company anticipates efficiencies of around 50 percent in urban use with this model of truck.

Petri helps launch "bike-partisan" event at political conventions

From a media release issued by Rep. Tom Petri:

WASHINGTON - At a blazingly hot press conference Wednesday in front of the U.S. Capitol, Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and Earl Blumenaur (D-OR), the co-chairs of the Congressional Bike Caucus, announced a bipartisan - or, as they put it, a "bike-partisan" challenge for the Democratic National Convention in Denver Aug. 25-28 and the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis - St. Paul Sept. 1-4.

In association with Bikes Belong and Humana Health Insurance Inc., the congressmen reported that 1,000 bicycles will be available at each convention for anybody who would like to try out bike sharing to get some exercise and tour the host cities between convention activities.

As a part of the "Freewheelin" challenge, delegates and all convention-goers will be urged to get on bikes and, collectively, participate in 10,000 bicycle rides totaling 25,000 miles.

After the conventions, 30 bikes will be donated to each city to begin bike-sharing programs.

Appleton Culver's owner turns old fryer oil into fuel

From an article by Ricardo Arguello in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

CHILTON — The countless customers who flock to Culver's Restaurant on Westhill Boulevard in Appleton probably have no idea that they're helping the environment.

But every ButterBurger combo basket produces just a bit more fuel for owner Joe Nelesen's Ford Excursion and the two tractor mowers that cut 80 percent of the grass at his golf course, Hickory Hills Country Club.

Nelesen has outfitted the three vehicles to run on used vegetable oil, all of it from his Culver's restaurant. The odd energy source has people curious on how exactly it all works.

"A lot of times, people are really surprised," Nelesen, 68, said. "And you know, they're kind of happy to see that it's alternative energy. It's usually after a round of golf that they want to look at the tractor, the filter system."

Obama: U.S. can't drill out of gas crisis

From an article by Ben Jones in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

KAUKAUNA —As gas prices top $4 a gallon around the Fox Valley, Sen. Barack Obama said a reduction in consumption, not new domestic drilling, will provide relief.

"If we reduce our consumption of oil, that's what will reduce gas prices, the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a one-on-one interview with The Post-Crescent during a campaign stop in Kaukauna.

“There’s really no other way of doing it.”

“We can’t drill our way out of the problem because there's just a finite amount of oil out there and you have got increasing demand from countries like China and India.

“And so the way we are going to see gas prices reduced is when we start using the oil that we get, more intelligently than we are doing now.”

Obama said the U.S. needs to “ramp up” its use of alternative energy and improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

“The thing that is going to reduce gas prices over the long term is reduced demand,” Obama said.

“That’s something we have not focused on.

“(President Bush) has not had an energy policy to accomplish that, and I think that's been a mistake.”

Running on solar: Cars that need no gas

From the Web site of the Sierra Club:

There are hybrids. There are electric cars that plug into a wall and get their juice from whatever mix the electric company is offering. And then there are electic cars that are charged by solar panels on the roof of one's house. They never need gas, and the power is free after the set-up cost.

We wondered: How tough is it to do this? Are electric cars hard to find? Is it difficult to get a rooftop solar collector set up? Here are the stories of vehicles that run on empty.

Darrell Dickey: A New Car -- And Fuel for Life

Darrell Dickey regularly commutes to work 24 miles, one way, by bike. But when it's too cold or wet for the bike, or when he and his family travel long distances from their home in Davis, California, he drives a battery-powered electric vehicle that he charges with photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on his garage roof.

"Five years ago, I spent about $45,000 and got a brand new car (the RAv4EV) and the solar system," he says. "We're still driving the car every day, and the solar system will continue to make fuel for whatever EV we drive in the future. For $45,000 we bought a new car and fuel for the rest or our lives."

In 1996, Dickey was invited to test-drive the GM "Impact", which he then leased for two years. (The Impact later became the EV1, the first modern electric vehicle.) "We loved that car and hated to give it back," he says. But the Toyota Rav4EV had just become available for purchase, so he bought the electric vehicle he is driving today.

Dickey says the inspiration to drive electric comes from having a child. "It would embarrass me to have to explain to my daughter why we continued to import and burn oil when we knew the consequences," he says. "Having no tune-ups and no trips to the gas station ever is just icing."

By installing a solar system atop his garage, Dickey took the next step in driving a totally clean car. "Now," he says, "I can deflect the comments that my 'electric' car is just a 'coal-burning' car. EVs are the ultimate flex-fuel vehicle. You can make electricity out of just about anything: sun, wind, natural gas, coal—even gasoline! Your fuel can be totally domestic, or in my case, totally local."

Asked how long it will take for the PV system to pay for itself, Dickey replies: "If we think of everything in terms of what it costs us in the short-term, we're screwed. It's the same argument people use against the Prius: When will it pay back in gas savings? But that only accounts for the money paid at the pump. What of the billions of dollars that leave our economy for oil, or the billions of our tax dollars that go toward tax incentives for oil companies? What of the cost of the military and the lives lost to protect our oil?"

But the short answer for the solar pay-back, he says, was "the instant I turned my system on." Dickey had been paying $75 a month for electricity. He took a loan out to buy the PV system, and pays $70 a month toward that loan. "My electricity and gasoline bills are now zero, and next year when my loan is paid off, this investment will be paying me probably for the rest of my life. My PV system covers the power for my home and my car. It displaces $90 worth of electricity and over $100 worth of gasoline every month. So my estimate of how long until the system pays for itself is no time at all!"

Running on solar: Cars that need no gas

From the Web site of the Sierra Club:

There are hybrids. There are electric cars that plug into a wall and get their juice from whatever mix the electric company is offering. And then there are electic cars that are charged by solar panels on the roof of one's house. They never need gas, and the power is free after the set-up cost.

We wondered: How tough is it to do this? Are electric cars hard to find? Is it difficult to get a rooftop solar collector set up? Here are the stories of vehicles that run on empty.

Darrell Dickey: A New Car -- And Fuel for Life

Darrell Dickey regularly commutes to work 24 miles, one way, by bike. But when it's too cold or wet for the bike, or when he and his family travel long distances from their home in Davis, California, he drives a battery-powered electric vehicle that he charges with photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on his garage roof.

"Five years ago, I spent about $45,000 and got a brand new car (the RAv4EV) and the solar system," he says. "We're still driving the car every day, and the solar system will continue to make fuel for whatever EV we drive in the future. For $45,000 we bought a new car and fuel for the rest or our lives."

In 1996, Dickey was invited to test-drive the GM "Impact", which he then leased for two years. (The Impact later became the EV1, the first modern electric vehicle.) "We loved that car and hated to give it back," he says. But the Toyota Rav4EV had just become available for purchase, so he bought the electric vehicle he is driving today.

Dickey says the inspiration to drive electric comes from having a child. "It would embarrass me to have to explain to my daughter why we continued to import and burn oil when we knew the consequences," he says. "Having no tune-ups and no trips to the gas station ever is just icing."

By installing a solar system atop his garage, Dickey took the next step in driving a totally clean car. "Now," he says, "I can deflect the comments that my 'electric' car is just a 'coal-burning' car. EVs are the ultimate flex-fuel vehicle. You can make electricity out of just about anything: sun, wind, natural gas, coal—even gasoline! Your fuel can be totally domestic, or in my case, totally local."

Asked how long it will take for the PV system to pay for itself, Dickey replies: "If we think of everything in terms of what it costs us in the short-term, we're screwed. It's the same argument people use against the Prius: When will it pay back in gas savings? But that only accounts for the money paid at the pump. What of the billions of dollars that leave our economy for oil, or the billions of our tax dollars that go toward tax incentives for oil companies? What of the cost of the military and the lives lost to protect our oil?"

But the short answer for the solar pay-back, he says, was "the instant I turned my system on." Dickey had been paying $75 a month for electricity. He took a loan out to buy the PV system, and pays $70 a month toward that loan. "My electricity and gasoline bills are now zero, and next year when my loan is paid off, this investment will be paying me probably for the rest of my life. My PV system covers the power for my home and my car. It displaces $90 worth of electricity and over $100 worth of gasoline every month. So my estimate of how long until the system pays for itself is no time at all!"