Problems with Electric cars

Upon looking at Toyota praises and other electric cars I thought I would give a shot at explaining the problem behind electric cars. One of my major concerns if I owned an electric car would be the maintenance behind it. I mean literally could you go under the hood and change the oil? The transmission oil? Oil filters? Like you would with a normal car? No I highly doubt it. According to yahoo notes about the pruis it has been known to have high insurance, and high cost of maintenance. That being said most people would have bought the corolla instead. Another problem with electric cars are their batteries. Although they could possibly run 3-5 years but how much do they cost to replace? According to Pruischat.com they would cost ,000 to replace and would only be covered to 100,000 miles by the warranty.

Unfortunately I have never been a fan of electric cars. All of them seem to be too weak, small, and not much fun. Aren’t cars supposed to be practical, easy to live with? And reliable? Only one electric car was made that matched these guidelines at it was the General Motors EV1 car. This car had the acceleration compared to a modern day corvette. The EV1 car was shown in the movie “who killed the electric car” and to this day there are close to none EV1′s on the road. Why? Because GM put out propaganda that it sucked and people weren’t ready for it at that time. Even though GM produced this car they lost over 2 Billion in collecting these cars back from people and shutting down all electric stations in California. Though there were minimal problems with this car, GM once again blew this out of proportion and forced owners under threats to give back their cars. Sadly this was one of the best electric cars ever produced.

 

Jim Lauria: Solving Our Water Problems Will Take Our Country Forward

India starts Green courts to try environment cases
(AP:NEW DELHI) India has set up a system of green courts to help clear more than 5,000 backlogged environmental cases. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh says the National Green Tribunal can order polluters to pay penalties of any amount. That ends previous limits of 25,000 rupee ($564) liability.

Read more on INO News

Fall composting seminar set for Oct. 28-30
Each fall the Keep Coppell Beautiful organization offers a 14-hour seminar on composting for residents.

Read more on Coppell Gazette

Rollcast Energy Announces Financial Closing for First Greenfield Biomass Project
Rollcast Energy, Inc. today announced the closing of non-recourse, project financing for Piedmont Green Power, LLC , Rollcast’s first greenfield biomass power project. Â The terms of the financing include an $82 million construction and term loan and a $51 million bridge loan related to the treasury grant. Â MUFG Power and Utilities and Investec are the lead arrangers and joint bookrunners for …

Read more on PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance

Electric vehicle design focuses on cutting-edge technology
Electric cars that meet the same design and performance standards expected by the ‘iPod generation’ will be the focus of a new vehicle development programme at MIRA.

Read more on the Engineer

Jim Lauria: Solving Our Water Problems Will Take Our Country Forward
Radical or reactionary or anyplace in between, our political candidates should direct their outrage toward our nation’s downward spiral in our water management policies and practices.

Read more on The Huffington Post

Electric Wheelchairs are Very Useful to People With Certain Mobility Problems

There are many people around the world who have mobility difficulties due to diseases, accidents or other causes. A mobility device can be a solution to such problems as it allows a person to move freely from one place to another. The wheelchair is probably the most common mobility device. There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. Other mobility devices such as the lift chair can also greatly improve one’s life. The purpose of all the devices is to help people regain their mobility and lead a simpler life. At improvelife.com you will find a wide variety of quality mobility devices.

The wheelchair is the most popular and widespread mobility device in the world. From the basic form there have been many developments over time in order to meet the occupant’s personal needs. Customized wheelchairs are very common nowadays because of the particular needs a user might have. There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. The manual wheelchair category is naturally the firs to have been invented and is still used on a large scale all around the world. The category includes three types of wheelchairs: self-propelled, attendant-propelled and wheelbase. Each of the three types has proven to be very useful in different circumstances and for different categories of users. No matter what type of mobility device you are looking for, at improvelife.com you will find exactly what you need.

Electric wheelchairs are generally used by persons who find using a manual wheelchair very difficult. The impossibility of using a manual chair can be the consequence of an arm or shoulder disabling condition. There are a few main categories in which electric wheelchairs can be divided in. For instance, there is the rear, center or front wheel driven chair category and the four wheel chair category. Furthermore, some models are very similar to manual wheelchairs while others have automobile-like seating and do not resemble manual chairs at all. Where dimensions are concerned, powerchairs can just as well be small and portable or large and heavy. An electric wheelchair can be designed to be specifically used indoors or outdoors, depending on the occupant’s needs. Controlling an electric wheelchair is usually done by means of a joystick. However, if the occupant lacks coordination or the use of his hands or fingers, other customized controllers can be used in order to safely operate the wheelchair. Powerchairs can also offer other special features such as powered recline or leg elevation.

A lift chair is very helpful to people who have mobility problems and have trouble getting up from a chair by themselves. There are several types of lift chairs available, depending on the user’s necessities. A 2 position lift chair can have a slight recline position and a lift position. When the user reclines in a two position chair his back and thighs remain at a 90 degree angle. A 3 position lift chair has a lifted position, recline position and reading position. This is the most popular category because it meets most people’s needs and budgets. Infinite position lift chairs allow the user to sleep very comfortably and they recline completely. This type of chair gives the user more positioning options, including the ‘elevate the feet above the heart’ position. When looking for a lift chair, remember that there is also a wide variety of colors and fabrics to choose from so that the chair fits perfectly into the home décor. You should always keep in mind that lift chairs should be comfortable as well as functional. Accessories like heat or massage can also be included into your customized chair.

Many devices have been developed during the past few centuries to help people with mobility problems lead easier lives. Since the invention of the wheelchair, many other devices followed. Wheelchairs have also been constantly improved, leading to the development of electric wheelchairs. Another commonly used mobility device is the lift chair which helps people who find getting up from a chair difficult. At improvelife.com you will encounter a wide variety of mobility devices.

Most Common Problems With Automobile Electrical System

An integrated part of any vehicle, the automobile electrical system has definitely made driving a lot more easier over the decades. Frequent innovations in electrical system has helped us in a comfortable and easy drive. But friends, no coin comes with a single side. If there are advantages, there are problems or hassles that accompany them.

Very often, you face problems while starting up your car and notice other problems with the electrical system. Are you aware of the problems that actually affect your electrical system. Some of the hassles that you face with your vehicle’s electrical system are:

Common Automobile Electrical System Problems Are : Car’s Battery Is Dead – This is the most common problem. Your car’s battery might be dead, thus inviting troubles for your vehicle.

No Power Stored in the Battery – This is possible that your car’s battery does not have ample power so that it can spin the engine.

Alternator is Not Working – At times, a damaged alternator might be the cause for the hassle. Such an alternator will not charge the battery.

Problem with Starter or Solenoid – These bad auto parts will affect the functioning of a braking system.

Battery Cables Might Be The Problem – A loose cable might be the root of the problem.

Electrical Fuses – If there are any damaged electrical fuse or loose wire, it might affect the smooth functioning of electrical system.

Cracks In Alternator Belt – Tension as well as crack in the alternator belt causes trouble.

Ignition System Has Problems – Thats common in breakdown of a vehicle. Any auto part of automobile ignition system like ignition switch, magento, coil wire, etc might have caused the problem.

Loose Spark Plugs – These electrical devices have loosened or are not properly implanted into internal combustion engine.

Troubleshooting fuel pressure problems on a 2002 Intrepid

My car has an unusual problem. It gets the same fuel economy at 90MPH as it does at 60MPH and it doesn’t like to start when cold. The malfunction indicator light is not on and there are no stored DTCs. Once the car is warm, it runs fine except for bad highway fuel economy. (21-23MPG instead of the usual 25-28MPG) . I think we found the problem. The fuel pressure is out of the specified range. Chrysler says the fuel pressure on the LH platform cars should be 58PSI +/- 5PSI….. this car ranged from 36 to over 75 PSI. It’s time for a new regulator. These cars have returnless fuel injection so the regulator is not on the fuel rail, rather its on the fuel pump itself. As the RPMs increase, the pressure stabilizes which explains the bad fuel economy at lower speeds and OK economy at high speed. The gauge is an Actron/Sunpro unit picked up at Sears for $40. Check out this car and a whole lot of other sweet LH cars on lhforums.net!

Bed Bugs, Scabies, Mites, Lice Die a Natural Death with Eco Living Friendly,128oz ELF for Bugs, 100% Environmentally Friendly Solution to your Bed Bug, Scabies, Mites, Lice, and insect problems. New Guaranteed Formula. EPA

• ELF is a unique product that effectively controls bed bugs, scabies, lice, mites, and other insects.
• Eco Living Friendly, ELF for Bed Bugs, is non-toxic and kills Bed Bugs, even chemical immune Bedbugs
• ELF for Bed Bugs has Eco Friendly, Green, EPA (exempt), FDA (Generally Regarded as Safe) ingredients
• There are no chemical pesticides in the ELF products but the ingredients are extremely effective.
• ELF is 100% Non-Toxic and safe around kids, pets, hospitals, hotels, any place people live and work.

Product Description
Eco Living Friendly of ELF is a specially formulated Pre-Mixed, Non-Toxic and totally GREEN Bed Bug killer. ELF for Bed Bugs is guaranteed or your money back, follow the directions and your insect problems are over. You can wash with it, spay it on your kids, pets, anywhere in your home and it will be absolutely safe and effective. 100% Non-Toxic, biodegradable, odor and color free and clear. By using natural minerals, a yeast based protein and other non-toxic elements to offer a 100% environmentally friendly solution. ELF PRODUCT INGREDIENTS ARE ALL FOUND ON THE LISTS WHICH GIVE IT THE FDA (GRAS, GENERALLY RECARDED AS SAFE) AND THE EPA (EXEMPT) DEFULT APPROVAL FOR A PESTICIDE. THEREFORE ELF HAS AN EPA EXEMPT AS WELL AS A FDA (GRAS) RATING. ELF Brands products are unique to the Green Marketplace.

Bed Bugs, Scabies, Mites, Lice Die a Natural Death with Eco Living Friendly, 32 oz ELF for BED BUGS, 100% environmentally friendly solution to your Bed Bug, Scabies, Mites, Fleas, and insect problems. New Guaranteed Formula. EPA

• ELF is a unique product that effectively controls bed bugs, scabies, lice, mites, and other insects.
• Eco Living Friendly, ELF for Bed Bugs, is non-toxic and kills Bed Bugs, even chemical immune Bedbugs
• ELF for Bed Bugs has Eco Friendly, Green, EPA (exempt), FDA (Generally Regarded as Safe) ingredients
• There are no chemical pesticides in the ELF products but the ingredients are extremely effective.
• ELF is 100% Non-Toxic and safe around kids, pets, hospitals, hotels, any place people live and work.

Product Description
Eco Living Friendly of ELF is a specially formulated Pre-Mixed, Non-Toxic and totally GREEN Bed Bug killer. ELF for Bed Bugs is guaranteed or your money back, follow the directions and your insect problems are over. You can wash with it, spay it on your kids, pets, anywhere in your home and it will be absolutely safe and effective. 100% Non-Toxic, biodegradable, odor and color free and clear. By using natural minerals, a yeast based protein and other non-toxic elements to offer a 100% environmentally friendly solution. ELF PRODUCT INGREDIENTS ARE ALL FOUND ON THE LISTS WHICH GIVE IT THE FDA (GRAS, GENERALLY RECARDED AS SAFE) AND THE EPA (EXEMPT) DEFULT APPROVAL FOR A PESTICIDE. THEREFORE ELF HAS AN EPA EXEMPT AS WELL AS A FDA (GRAS) RATING. ELF Brands products are unique to the Green Marketplace.

Troubleshooting Car Problems : Does a Bigger Tire Size Increase Gas Mileage?

A bigger tire size on a car doesn’t increase gas mileage because it essentially is going to make the engine work more to get the vehicle to move. Find out why big tires may be beneficial on the highway, but not in town, with help from an ASE-certified mechanic in this free video on fuel economy and car tires. Expert: Tom Brintzenhofe Bio: Tom Brintzenhofe has been a mechanic for more than 17 years. Filmmaker: Reel Media LLC

How to Get $1.50 Per a Gallon Price Back, Save US Economy, Stop Global Warming, and Solve US Government Problems

One and a half hours is my usual commute time to my current work place. It takes forty-five miles to get there. During winter storm it takes much, much longer… I certainly have enough time to listen to the Boston Public Radio (WBUR station), and my thoughts usually start with “WHY are we all sitting here?”, slowly moving, wasting fuel, and finally contributing our share to the Global Warming… Good Morning (or Good Night) America on Wheels!

WBUR is not for the weak of heart. Domestic topics range from how big is a golden parachute for a CEO who failed to manage a bank or corporation (usually an eight digit number), to sliding dollar and looming recession … All symptoms, all the information that could drive us crazy and push us out of our driver seats… Yet, I listen to my favorite radio station with great pride that we are still driving and going to our jobs to keep America moving …

Our destination is clearly articulated. The verdict for all of us is “guilty”; we are guilty of not spending enough or not saving enough and, it seems as if no matter what we do “We are doomed!”. But my Russian common sense forged in trenches of communism and hardened by capitalism is refusing to give up. There is a proverb from my old days “Saving life of a drowning man is the business of that drowning man!” Since I cannot separate myself from the rest of us sliding in to recession, I find myself thinking how to stop that. I have enough time; say a couple of weeks to find a solution. Otherwise, this contract with the bank will be the last of what I could get from this economy. Well, unemployment is still guaranteed, but it will not cover all my recent acquisitions and multiplying loans (Note: nobody can blame me for not spending enough to keep our economy running; I am a patriot after all!).

I am a deeply technical person. I am thinking in technical terms, and always trying to crunch through the numbers. How many of us are commuting every day? In fact, an overwhelming majority of people between 20 and 60 years old do, roughly a half of US population of 300 million. The analysis [1] gives us a number of 220 million. What is the average commute? It is approximately 16 miles one way. Expecting 20 miles per gallon, we consume about 300 million gallons of gasoline for the nation’s one working day commute. It takes up nearly 75% of the total US gasoline consumption according to at least two sources [2, 3]. These numbers represent quite rough estimate, and relate to gasoline only (there are also kerosene and diesel fuels), but we do not need exact numbers. It answers the question of who consumes most of the gasoline. We do! And we do that by commuting. Subsequently, commuting is a source of increasing fuel demand and pricing, air pollution, traffic creation, cause of political instabilities and intrigues around the world, etc. This list can go on and on for quite some time.

So what if we stay at home and work remotely (telecommute)… First question is how many people are doing that, and for how many days per week? Google search for “telecommuting in US 2006″ brings up pretty diverse information. The estimate ranges from 12 millions full time in 2006 (5.4% of working population) to more realistic 2% full time and 9% part time [5]. I observe the latter number of 2% in the bank department that I’m working for.

Well, we are not making much progress in telecommuting field. Good old UK was doing much better back in 2002 with telecommuting rate of 7.4% [6]. Another question is what is the percentage of workers who can telecommute without negatively impacting the business process? I did not try Google to find an answer to such a sophisticated question. What I see from my personal experience of IT professional, at least 50% of office work can be done at home. At my consulting job, I see some of my colleagues once in two weeks, if I walk by. Otherwise, I do my work glued to my computer monitor, exchanging information via email and internal chat system. We do remote conferencing and project management. I do it in the same way as many of you do every day.

I would like to set the following goal “Everybody who can stay at home and do his or her job remotely should do that!” As we transition more and more toward “service” economy, we have a chance to eventually move everybody out of the main office, or at least 90% of us sitting in a computerized cage and laying golden eggs by processing information.

Both government and business establishment generally agree that telecommuting is a good thing. That is all. The mutual agreement is that a good thing is good. Nothing more, nothing less. There hasn’t been a real concerted push toward telecommuting. Not even close.

Here is my proposal on how to move things forward. As all of my proposals, it is real, and it is doable. First of all, we need a technology to support telecommuting. The most of it is already in place. Internet infrastructure (many thanks to Mr. Clinton and Mr. Gore) is available across most of the US. Computers are really inexpensive (about $600 for a telecommuting-ready system). There is IPSec VPN, and even better SSL VPN to connect to the main office. We might need an integrated solution out-of-the-box, which would be easy to install as in “VPN plug-and-play”. However, I would like to stress that we already have all the necessary ingredients to get started.

Secondary, we need to encourage all the US businesses to implement telecommuting as a solution as soon as possible. Here is the trick. I am proposing for US Congress to pass a legislation requiring all employers to pay for their employees commuting fuel expenses. That is it – an average of $1,200 per employee per year. I name it “Commuter Reimbursement” (CR).

Logically, why should WE pay for our commute in the first place? Commute is often not an important consideration when businesses choose their location. There is neither government nor business supported program for decreasing commute, thus saving OUR money. They simply do not have a strong incentive to care. We, commuters, do, and Global Warming and air pollution is a big concern as well.

I am not buying an argument that $1,200 will be an unbearable burden to US businesses. The credit is on the order of annual salary raise. Median income per US household member [7] is about $27,000, thus CR represents only 4.4% of it. After all, according to David C. Johnston “Free Lunch” [8], US corporate management owes us the salary rise since mid 70s, so please, be kind and give it us once in 30 years, thus indicating your participation in our mutual struggle with the rising fuel cost and inflation, Global Warming, pollution, you name it.

There is a good indication that CR will work. We all know how business management likes to save pennies (moving the bounty to golden parachutes), this price tag will work very well to encourage progress; I mean moving to real telecommuting with the goal of getting 30% or more of the US workforce working remotely.

How do we implement CR? I can think of several ways, but let’s leave it to the US Congress to figure it out. I got an idea, and they need to do their share as well. Hopefully, they will not invent a way to make it completely useless, so we don’t end up paying our employers for our commute!

How long would it take to implement? Considering that almost everybody is winning (see below), I would optimistically expect CR Law passing within one year. Thus, at the end of the second year we can expect a moderate reduction in commuting at 30%, with the year average of 15%. The price for the oil will drop possibly returning to $30 per barrel. The gasoline price will return gradually to $1.50 per a gallon (average for this year of $2,25). Thus, average CR for the second year will be around $750. For the third year we can expect it dropping even more to approximately $400, given that number of commuters stays the same. However, we should expect it to be slowly decreasing. As you see here, there is market self-regulation – initial CR of $1,200 should be dropping, and CR and the price of the telecommuting installation will regulate the number of telecommuters. This is a normal market regulation when we have enough resources, not the extreme we have now when any speculation fuels the market and drives price up continuously.

Let’s see who will be the winners. Of course, we, commuters, will win as well as all the people in the US and around the world. Businesses will make CR money back very soon (decreasing office leasing expenses), or significantly decrease the payment. I would expect at least 30% reduction in traffic (no traffic jams any more), and 30% less total US consumption of gasoline. That would be out real contribution to solving the Global Warming problem.

All the US population will win saving money, and our economy will bloom again.

US global interests will also be a big winner. Hugo Chaves (small but continuing headache) will lose as Venezuela cannot survive with less than $60 per a barrel, and outgoing Russia’s President Mr. Putin will lose a lot of his power as well. Putin has been busy helping Russia flex muscles against the West in the last few years, mostly by leveraging increasing Russia’s oil revenues. No more this sly Russian former spy and dictator will have funds to develop new missiles and nuclear submarines. Russia economic success of last few years had been squarely based on high oil price. If it drops, Russia’s government ambitions of Great Resurrected Russia will deflate as quickly as they did during USSR collapse.

Who else will loose? Of course, oil companies which were too slow to embrace alternative energy. Global Islamic terrorist network will suffer money shortage, as Middle East tycoons loose a substantial part of oil revenues. Somehow, I don’t think our nation will shed too many tears for them.

Does US Government have enough guts to move forward with my telecommuting incentive plan (i.e. legislating a $1,200 “Commute Reimbursement” plan)? Possibly not, if we are just talking about out commute problems and Global Warming; but it might change to “yes” considering that this plan can resolve its political problems as well.

Some people would say that the proposed solution is a temporarily one. Yes, but we need it now, we need to start cutting out fuel consumption now, otherwise WBUR and all the economy doomsday experts are going to say “See, we told you, the recession is coming…And you did nothing to stop it…”.

Self-advertising: Does my idea intrigue you? I have a few more. Interested parties, please feel free to contact me mutin@rubos.com.

References:

1. Gary Langer. Poll: Traffic in the United States. Feb. 13, 2005. ABC News.

2. Clean Cities Program Saved US One Day’s Gas Consumption in 2006. Environment News Services. http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2007/2007-10-01-097.asp

3. How much gasoline does the United States consume in one year? http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question417.htm

4. Earn well, leave cheap. May 22, 2006. Les Christie, CNNMoney.com.

5. Most With Option to Telecommute Prefer to Drive. June 13, 2006. News Report.

6. Telework in the UK: Who’s doing it?

7. Houshold income in the United Stats. Wikipedia.

8. David C. Johnston. Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (and Stick You with the Bill). Dec. 2007.

Authors: Daniil M. Utin, MS, Mikhail A. Utin, Ph.D.

Copyright (c) Daniil M. Utin, Mikhail A. Utin, 2008

Contact information: Mikhail A. Utin, Email: mutin@rubos.com; Daniil M. Utin, dan@cidc.com