Bright Spark
Posts: 435 
May 8th, 2008, 05:45 PM
The federal transport ministry is preventing electric cars from being sold in Canada. They are manufactured in Canada and exported to the US. The best example you will find that the Harper gov't is not serious about reducing Canada's green house gas emissions. Otherwise they would kick the bureaucrats' ass. But hey, the Tories have dirty oil friends in Alberta to protect.
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...8-4b51a3d4ede6
Canadian bureaucrats put the brakes on green cars
The Economist
Published: Wednesday, May 07, 2008
In these times of high gas prices and worries about climate change, you might think that any country would be proud to enjoy a lead in manufacturing electric cars. Not Canada, it seems.
Two Canadian companies, ZENN Motor Company and Dynasty Electric Car, make small electric cars designed for city use; a third, which will use new battery technology developed by Exxon-Mobil, plans to launch a model later this year.
But almost all these "low-speed vehicles" (or LSVs) are exported to the United States because Canada refuses to allow their use on public roads.
Transport Canada, the regulatory agency, questions their safety. It doubts they would stand up in a collision with a delivery truck or a sport utility vehicle. Officials say they crash-tested one which didn't fare well, though they refuse to release the data. The agency wants LSVs confined to "controlled areas," such as university campuses, military bases, parks and Canada's few gated communities. Its advice has carried weight with the provinces, which make the rules of the road.
It is true that the cars are made from lightweight metals and plastics. But the manufacturers allege political bias: Stephen Harper's Conservative government has much support in oil-rich Alberta.
Backed by thousands of would-be buyers, they are campaigning to reverse the agency's decision. "It's a ludicrous regulatory situation. All you can point to is oil and the big guys and think there's a conspiracy somewhere," says Danny Epp of Dynasty.
Epp reckons that his car should be allowed on urban streets with speed limits of around 50km/h or less. But Dynasty recently gave up the battle. In March, it announced that it is being bought by a Pakistani firm, which will move production to Karachi and export to the United States from there.
ZENN -- that stands for zero emission, no noise -- promises to fight on. Ian Clifford, its boss, points out that there has not been a single death related to LSVs in the United States, where 44 states allow them and some 45,000 such cars are in use. And gas-guzzlers imperil public safety by polluting the air, he notes.
But Clifford is not expecting change soon. He claims that his campaign against Transport Canada has made him enemies. "Two senior, entrenched bureaucrats have told me personally that if it is the last thing they do, they'll keep LSVs off the road in Canada," he says.
© The Calgary Herald 2008
The federal transport ministry is preventing electric cars from being sold in Canada. They are manufactured in Canada and exported to the US. The best example you will find that the Harper gov't is not serious about reducing Canada's green house gas emissions. Otherwise they would kick the bureaucrats' ass. But hey, the Tories have dirty oil friends in Alberta to protect.
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...8-4b51a3d4ede6
Canadian bureaucrats put the brakes on green cars
The Economist
Published: Wednesday, May 07, 2008
In these times of high gas prices and worries about climate change, you might think that any country would be proud to enjoy a lead in manufacturing electric cars. Not Canada, it seems.
Two Canadian companies, ZENN Motor Company and Dynasty Electric Car, make small electric cars designed for city use; a third, which will use new battery technology developed by Exxon-Mobil, plans to launch a model later this year.
But almost all these "low-speed vehicles" (or LSVs) are exported to the United States because Canada refuses to allow their use on public roads.
Transport Canada, the regulatory agency, questions their safety. It doubts they would stand up in a collision with a delivery truck or a sport utility vehicle. Officials say they crash-tested one which didn't fare well, though they refuse to release the data. The agency wants LSVs confined to "controlled areas," such as university campuses, military bases, parks and Canada's few gated communities. Its advice has carried weight with the provinces, which make the rules of the road.
It is true that the cars are made from lightweight metals and plastics. But the manufacturers allege political bias: Stephen Harper's Conservative government has much support in oil-rich Alberta.
Backed by thousands of would-be buyers, they are campaigning to reverse the agency's decision. "It's a ludicrous regulatory situation. All you can point to is oil and the big guys and think there's a conspiracy somewhere," says Danny Epp of Dynasty.
Epp reckons that his car should be allowed on urban streets with speed limits of around 50km/h or less. But Dynasty recently gave up the battle. In March, it announced that it is being bought by a Pakistani firm, which will move production to Karachi and export to the United States from there.
ZENN -- that stands for zero emission, no noise -- promises to fight on. Ian Clifford, its boss, points out that there has not been a single death related to LSVs in the United States, where 44 states allow them and some 45,000 such cars are in use. And gas-guzzlers imperil public safety by polluting the air, he notes.
But Clifford is not expecting change soon. He claims that his campaign against Transport Canada has made him enemies. "Two senior, entrenched bureaucrats have told me personally that if it is the last thing they do, they'll keep LSVs off the road in Canada," he says.
© The Calgary Herald 2008
Bright Spark
Posts: 435
May 8th, 2008, 06:32 PM
An engineer in the US has made an electric car, which in his Youtube video (it didn't show at CC) you can see him drive on local streets. He can legally drive in the US, but not Canada.
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/04/d...car-.html#more
DIY Solar Car - Free Yourself From Gas for $4,500
By Chuck Squatriglia
April 16, 2008 | 2:09:43 PMCategories: Electric Vehicles, Solar
Tired of paying an arm and a leg for gasoline but can't afford a Tesla Roadster and don't feel like waiting for a Zap electric vehicle? Sunn EV has just the car for you.
There is, however, some assembly required.
Longtime EV enthusiast Art Haines has developed a do-it-yourself solar vehicle that anyone with $4,500 and a decent set of tools can put together in a couple of weekends. It's a real car - actually, it's classified as a neighborhood electric vehicle - with windows, disc brakes, windshield wipers and a top speed of 25 mph.
Haines, a mechanical engineer who spent 25 years building factory machinery, has spent two years working with local high school kids to develop the Sunn EV. With the last of the bugs worked out, he's started selling kits.
Haines didn't want to convert a golf-cart because it would constrain him to a predetermined chassis and layout. Besides, he says in a YouTube video, it's more fun to design something yourself.
The Sunn EV - available as a two-seater or a small pickup - weighs about 350 pounds and will carry two people. It's powered by a 10 horsepower 48 DC motor coupled to a single-speed transmission. There's a large solar panel up front to charge four batteries - which aren't included - and the vehicle also uses regenerative braking. You can also plug it into a 110 outlet. Contrary to what the specifications state, the kit includes a solar panel. (Haines says he needs to update the site.)
Range is limited - 18 to 20 miles - but sufficient for tooling around town. Haines admits the car struggles up hills "but it will get there." Because it's classified as a neighborhood electric vehicle, the Sunn EV is street legal on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The boxy design makes the vehicle easier to manufacture - Haines says complex, curving shapes would require expensive tooling - and the kit easier to ship.
Haines says anyone with basic tools and the ability to follow instructions can assemble the Sunn EV in 80 to 120 hours. Assembly is pretty straightforward - Bolt part A to part B - and Haines says, "The wiring harness is probably the biggest challenge, but anyone who can follow directions can handle it."
Haines started accepting orders last month and has sold five Sunn EVs so far. One of them is headed to Sacred Heart Language College in London; another will be tooling around La Grange, Texas, according to Haines' hometown newspaper.
Granted, the Sunn EV is not for everyone. A lot of people will find it impractical, ugly or both. Haines probably won't sell more than a few dozen. But practicality, aesthetics and sales volume aren't the point. What's important is people aren't waiting around for the auto industry to move us beyond oil. They're taking it upon themselves to show there is another way.
"We've demonstrated that there are other ways that work," Haines says in the YouTube video. "When people see that, it opens their minds."
An engineer in the US has made an electric car, which in his Youtube video (it didn't show at CC) you can see him drive on local streets. He can legally drive in the US, but not Canada.
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/04/d...car-.html#more
DIY Solar Car - Free Yourself From Gas for $4,500
By Chuck Squatriglia
April 16, 2008 | 2:09:43 PMCategories: Electric Vehicles, Solar 
Tired of paying an arm and a leg for gasoline but can't afford a Tesla Roadster and don't feel like waiting for a Zap electric vehicle? Sunn EV has just the car for you.
There is, however, some assembly required.
Longtime EV enthusiast Art Haines has developed a do-it-yourself solar vehicle that anyone with $4,500 and a decent set of tools can put together in a couple of weekends. It's a real car - actually, it's classified as a neighborhood electric vehicle - with windows, disc brakes, windshield wipers and a top speed of 25 mph.
Haines, a mechanical engineer who spent 25 years building factory machinery, has spent two years working with local high school kids to develop the Sunn EV. With the last of the bugs worked out, he's started selling kits.
Haines didn't want to convert a golf-cart because it would constrain him to a predetermined chassis and layout. Besides, he says in a YouTube video, it's more fun to design something yourself.The Sunn EV - available as a two-seater or a small pickup - weighs about 350 pounds and will carry two people. It's powered by a 10 horsepower 48 DC motor coupled to a single-speed transmission. There's a large solar panel up front to charge four batteries - which aren't included - and the vehicle also uses regenerative braking. You can also plug it into a 110 outlet. Contrary to what the specifications state, the kit includes a solar panel. (Haines says he needs to update the site.)
Range is limited - 18 to 20 miles - but sufficient for tooling around town. Haines admits the car struggles up hills "but it will get there." Because it's classified as a neighborhood electric vehicle, the Sunn EV is street legal on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The boxy design makes the vehicle easier to manufacture - Haines says complex, curving shapes would require expensive tooling - and the kit easier to ship.
Haines says anyone with basic tools and the ability to follow instructions can assemble the Sunn EV in 80 to 120 hours. Assembly is pretty straightforward - Bolt part A to part B - and Haines says, "The wiring harness is probably the biggest challenge, but anyone who can follow directions can handle it."
Haines started accepting orders last month and has sold five Sunn EVs so far. One of them is headed to Sacred Heart Language College in London; another will be tooling around La Grange, Texas, according to Haines' hometown newspaper.
Granted, the Sunn EV is not for everyone. A lot of people will find it impractical, ugly or both. Haines probably won't sell more than a few dozen. But practicality, aesthetics and sales volume aren't the point. What's important is people aren't waiting around for the auto industry to move us beyond oil. They're taking it upon themselves to show there is another way.
"We've demonstrated that there are other ways that work," Haines says in the YouTube video. "When people see that, it opens their minds."
Gobsmacked
Posts: 4,921 
Location: Edmonton AB
Location: Edmonton AB
May 8th, 2008, 08:49 PM
It makes me insane that they can pull this crap and get away with it.
Quoting dumpthemonarchy
Odd, the Smart Car is allowed on the roads - thay can't fare much better than an LSV in a crash test - but of course the Smart Car uses gas so somehow it's 'safer'.
Transport Canada, the regulatory agency, questions their safety. It doubts they would stand up in a collision with a delivery truck or a sport utility vehicle. Officials say they crash-tested one which didn't fare well, though they refuse to release the data. The agency wants LSVs confined to "controlled areas," such as university campuses, military bases, parks and Canada's few gated communities. Its advice has carried weight with the provinces, which make the rules of the road.
It makes me insane that they can pull this crap and get away with it.
Grossly Underrated
Posts: 5,370
Location: In the bush somewhere near Sudbury
Location: In the bush somewhere near Sudbury
May 8th, 2008, 09:42 PM
Not too sure I'd want to pit those rims against a Sudbury-sized pothole. As far as the car itself, around town it would be a winner. I think it might come second best against a side draft on the Skyway....
Not too sure I'd want to pit those rims against a Sudbury-sized pothole. As far as the car itself, around town it would be a winner. I think it might come second best against a side draft on the Skyway....
Bright Spark
Posts: 435
May 13th, 2008, 03:20 PM
This little tin car is dangerous, no doubt. In a collision you could die, on a big pothole you could be injured. This care has little need for speed. It needs a lot of work, but how much work? There are electric cars in operation in the US that cannot operate in Canada. Does that make sense?
However, they say bike riders are more sometimes more reckless when they wear a helmet because they become fearless. If the price of gas goes to $2-4 a litre, how will people get around? Gas cars could become obsolete quickly, millions can't suddenly all walk, bike or take the bus to get around.
You can't produce millions of electric cars quickly, it takes years. Now seems like the time to get going on this.
Where is the Green party on this?
This little tin car is dangerous, no doubt. In a collision you could die, on a big pothole you could be injured. This care has little need for speed. It needs a lot of work, but how much work? There are electric cars in operation in the US that cannot operate in Canada. Does that make sense?
However, they say bike riders are more sometimes more reckless when they wear a helmet because they become fearless. If the price of gas goes to $2-4 a litre, how will people get around? Gas cars could become obsolete quickly, millions can't suddenly all walk, bike or take the bus to get around.
You can't produce millions of electric cars quickly, it takes years. Now seems like the time to get going on this.
Where is the Green party on this?
Executive Member
Posts: 9,143
May 13th, 2008, 04:14 PM
Quote:
The worst thing about the LSV is it's light weight of 350 pounds. A Smart car weighs around sixteen hundred pounds. I don't even want to think about an LSV or a Smart car in collision with say, a nine thousand pound Ford F-350. It might be a bit like a bug on the windshield..........Or flattened road kill.
quoting Zan
Odd, the Smart Car is allowed on the roads - thay can't fare much better than an LSV in a crash test - but of course the Smart Car uses gas so somehow it's 'safer'. It makes me insane that they can pull this crap and get away with it.
Odd, the Smart Car is allowed on the roads - thay can't fare much better than an LSV in a crash test - but of course the Smart Car uses gas so somehow it's 'safer'.
It makes me insane that they can pull this crap and get away with it.
House Member
Posts: 2,441
Location: SW Ontario
Location: SW Ontario
May 13th, 2008, 05:07 PM
I'm pretty sure smart cars do pretty well in crash tests. Not sure I would want to drive in the city in a golf cart though. On a bike at least you have a fair bit of maneuverability and quick response time to dart around and away from unexpected hazards.
I'm pretty sure smart cars do pretty well in crash tests. Not sure I would want to drive in the city in a golf cart though. On a bike at least you have a fair bit of maneuverability and quick response time to dart around and away from unexpected hazards.
