Solar power and electric vehicles have generally been two different means to some of the same ends, but one project looks to combine the two. CNET reports that General Electric has installed the country's first solar powered carport and electric vehicle charging stations in Plainville, Connecticut.

Solar panels on carports is hardly a new idea in itself. New Jersey's William G Mennen Sports Arena followed a similar model and a proposed net-zero energy community at the University of California at Davis will make extensive use of the concept.

GE, however, took the next step of attaching the carport's solar panels to six of the company's charging stations. The system is connected to the grid, so none of the energy will ever be wasted, but at peak capacity the carport could charge as many as 13 vehicles per day.

"This exciting project will be a blueprint for people all around the country who are interested in developing this type of green solar charging technology, linking renewable energy with electric vehicles and making our lives cleaner and greener," Connecticut Governor Dannell Malloy said in a statement.

These types of carports currently fill a small role, as the market for electric cars remains small, with less than 60,000 in use in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Even hybrids amount to only 2.42 percent of the total market, but the introduction of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt could change this number somewhat.

Last year, automotive designer Pininfarinia debuted a prototype two-seater electric car, and this year it's making the pint-size Nido EV even more environmentally friendly by creating a solar charging station to power it.

The Italian design house revealed the Antares solar charging tree last month at MoTechEco, a sustainable mobility show in Rome. The 108 sq. ft. treelike modular car charger contains 20 photovoltaic solar panels, capable of producing 4.6 kilowatts, enough to recharge two electric cars for a range of approximately 50 miles each.

Pininfarina isn't alone in its pursuit of a tree-shaped solar charging station. Chicago-based Carbon Day Automotive installed its Solar Plug-in Station as part of the ChargePoint Network, a 2.2-kilowatt system designed to charge two vehicles at the same time. Nissan and Google have been developing solar-powered charging carports, but none with as much style as what Pininfarina designed.

Antares is part of Pininfarina's sustainable mobility initiative, which explores ways to reduce emissions through the use of alternative, lighter, and recyclable materials. The Nido EV is constructed of carbon fiber composite materials on a modular aluminum frame, which can be used to produce an electric or hybrid 2+2, pickup, or light van.

 NEW YORK | Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:05pm EDT

(Reuters) - Few homeowners who are interested in owning electrical vehicles are equipped to charge them, a survey found on Tuesday.

More than three-quarters, 78 percent, of potential buyers of electric cars like the Chevy Volt do not have the high-voltage electrical outlets in their garages that can quickly charge such vehicles, according to a survey by diversified U.S. manufacturer SPX Corp, which makes equipment to charge electric vehicles.

However 99 percent of respondents lived in homes that could have the necessary 240-volt outlets -- also commonly used for heavy appliances like electric dryers -- installed.

The survey highlights an obstacle to wider adoption of electric cars, which are gaining in popularity but still account for a small portion of overall U.S. car sales.

The short range of current electrical vehicle (EV) models, and a lack of charging infrastructure, are obstacles to a large EV fleet, advocates for electric vehicles have said.

A successful EV market needs easily available charging stations, Mary Nichols, chair of California's clean air regulator, told the Reuters Global Energy and Climate Summit on Monday.

"The auto companies producing the kinds of cars that we want are a critical first step," Nichols said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists the range of Nissan Motor Co's Leaf at 73 miles. For now, Nissan says car buyers will charge their cars at home as automakers, local governments and other companies develop a network of charging stations.

General Electric Co developed a charging station for homes and businesses in hope of making charging stations more common and enabling EV drivers to have a longer commute.

SPX installs home charging stations for owners of General Motors' Chevy Volt at a cost of anywhere from $900 to more than $1,500. Nissan Leaf stations cost more than $2,000 to have installed at their homes.

U.S. gasoline prices are up more than one dollar per gallon from a year ago, and cars like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf are giving car buyers a choice to go electric.

Electric vehicles remain a relatively small part of the overall U.S. auto market. Only about 50,000 electric vehicles are expected to be sold in 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

(Reporting by Roy Strom; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)

 BY JACK MORAN

Published: (Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011 05:01AM)Midnight, June 8

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that it has joined forces with NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) to expand the privately funded, comprehensive eVgo^sm electric vehicle (EV) charging “ecosystem” launched first in Houston to EV drivers in the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) market, the fourth-largest metropolitan area by population in America. The ecosystem is an integrated network of charging products, services and payment plans that helps make EVs practical for drivers. NRG selected AeroVironment to provide home and public charging systems, installation services, energy usage monitoring and payment and subscription solutions in support of the Houston and DFW ecosystems. The companies plan to inaugurate the DFW expansion today at a ribbon-cutting event in Dallas hosted by NRG’s president and CEO David Crane and featuring AeroVironment’s chairman and CEO Tim Conver.

“Ecosystems like those we are deploying with NRG in Dallas and Houston will help increase the adoption of electric vehicles and bring us one step closer to energy independence.”

In addition to supplying, installing and supporting smart home and public charging stations, AeroVironment will also provide the integrated data collection, communication and analysis systems that will power NRG’s eVgo network. NRG Energy plans to install a total of 70 Freedom Stations in the DFW area by the end of 2012, 35 of which are scheduled for installation by the end of 2011. Freedom Stations comprise one EVSE-CS and one EV50-PS, a DC fast charging system that can fully recharge an EV in minutes. The eVgo charging network will give DFW’s EV drivers ready access to charging stations along major freeways, in key shopping and business districts, at popular retailers and in multi-family community and workplace parking areas.

AeroVironment and NRG Energy have developed a comprehensive charging solution that is ideally suited for NRG’s customers and is designed to make driving electric vehicles convenient and easy.

"An innovative business model like eVgo requires much more than just a charger hardware supplier, it requires a partner that understands the complete picture, including the full range of charging hardware, software, service and support,” said David Crane, president, CEO and director of NRG Energy, Inc. “AeroVironment is supporting our pioneering eVgo ecosystems in Houston and now Dallas Fort Worth with technology that will allow EV owners to drive with complete confidence."

AeroVironment has already begun installing charging stations in Houston and expects to install 25 Freedom stations by the end of summer 2011.

The DFW ecosystem includes:

Level 2 Home Charging Dock – AeroVironment’s EVSE-RS+ model is a grid-connected residential (single-family or multi-unit) system that recharges EVs or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that comply with the J1772 standard, and will turn drivers’ homes into convenient, smart refueling hubs. Grid communication will allow the Home Charging Dock to charge automatically or be pre-programmed by NRG or the driver for optimal power draw so that it charges when energy consumption and energy costs are lowest.

Level 2 Commercial Charging Station – AeroVironment’s EVSE-CS model is a public level 2 charging dock with tamper-resistant features and secure smart card access, making it ideal for municipalities, retailers, shopping malls and wherever cars are parked and available for charging. This charging system is designed to provide a safe, reliable charge for all electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models that comply with the J1772 standard.

High Power DC Charging Station – AeroVironment’s EV50-PS can recharge an EV in minutes using high-power, DC charging for busy drivers with very little time to spare. This is the first charging station in the United States that is certified for use with EVs that use the CHAdeMO connector and communication protocol standard, (e.g., Nissan LEAF). Drivers will find this charging method is most similar to gas refueling, and is based on proven, fielded technology that has made AeroVironment the leading provider of heavy-duty EV fast charge solutions to some of the largest companies in the world.

Installation Services – members of AeroVironment’s growing, exclusive network of local, licensed, trained and certified electrical contractors provide turn-key home installation including facilitating permitting and inspections, as well as customer training and support services to ensure easy and reliable operation and use of the charging network. Electrical contractors interested in learning more about the network can visit www.avinc.com/joinev.

EV Network Services – in addition to residential and public charging systems, AeroVironment also provides data communications solutions that will allow individual subscribers to use any charger on the network and provide analytical tools and billing services for network operators.

“We look forward to continuing our work with NRG to provide practical, convenient charging ecosystems that will support EVs and their drivers,” said Tim Conver, AeroVironment chairman and chief executive officer. “Ecosystems like those we are deploying with NRG in Dallas and Houston will help increase the adoption of electric vehicles and bring us one step closer to energy independence.”

AeroVironment is a leader in the rapidly developing market for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Nissan North America selected the company to supply and install level 2 charging docks in support of the Nissan LEAF®. In the initial quarter of its charging system rollout, AeroVironment deployed more than 1,000 level 2 charging docks in more than 340 communities across 18 states.

About NRG Energy, Inc.

NRG Energy, Inc. is a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 Index company that owns and operates one of the country’s largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company’s power plants provide nearly 25,000 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to supply nearly 20 million homes. NRG’s retail businesses, Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy Company, combined serve more than 1.8 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers. With investments in solar, wind and nuclear power, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean energy economy. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com and www.evgonetwork.com.

About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)

AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces and supports an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AeroVironment’s comprehensive EV charging solutionsinclude EV home charging, public charging, fast charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers, utilities, government agencies and businesses. AeroVironment’s industrial fast charging systems support thousands of electric materials handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500 enterprises. AeroVironment’s power cycling and test systems provide EV developers and EV battery manufacturers with market-leading simulation and cycling capabilities. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s battery-powered,hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and communication. More information is available at www.avinc.com and www.evsolutions.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional AeroVironment News: http://avinc.com/resources/news/

AeroVironment Media Gallery: http://avinc.com/media_gallery/

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Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6676868&lang=en

 by Aaron Colter, April 7th, 2011

A new electric bicycle is set to enter the market later this year; called The Voltitude, the beautifully designed product comes out of Switzerland and was recently hailed by the Yanko Design Blog. The foldable bike is heavily inspired by the famous style of the Swiss Army Knife, and is elegantly minimal in its overall look.

55 inches long, from wheel to wheel, and almost 40 inches tall when unfolded, the bike contacts to 24 inches wide and 35 inches tall when compacted for storage. While the vehicle does have pedal assistance, it’s really more of an electric scooter than a bicycle.

image via Voltitude

Weighing around 50 pounds and coming equipped with a 250 watt, integrated motor powered by a 36 volt lithium-ion battery, the Voltitude has a top speed of just over 15 miles per hour, and a range of almost 25 miles on a full charge and under ideal conditions. The battery can be plugged into a 110 or 240 volt socket, and takes roughly four hours to reach 100%.

The bike is currently only available to purchase in Switzerland, and only in limited quantities. The company has yet to release a public price for the bike, but expects to have a final price and online, worldwide shipping available at the end of this year.

EarthTechling wants your opinion! Take EarthTechling’s 3-minute reader survey and enter to win a $250 Amazon gift card.  The 2011 survey closes on April 15, 2011.

Photo: Coda Automotive

David vs. Goliath
The Californian start-up CODA is getting ready to launch its first electric car, known simply as the CODA Sedan, in the United States in the second half of this year. The Sedan is a four-door, five passenger battery electric vehicle (BEV) powered by a 33.8 kWh Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery system that should give it a range of 120 miles per charge, with a sale price of $37,4008 (after federal tax savings).

BMW is lining up a series of electric and hybrid cars. To support those vehicles, but also to do something it has really never done before -- develop extra-vehicular technology for urban mobility -- the company is launching a sub-brand. The new "BMW i" global brand is going to be as much about BMW's mobility-solutions efforts as new vehicles.

Efforts around the new brand will involve everything from the research on urban mobility and mobile Internet cityscapes to a venture capital arm based in New York that will fund tech startups whose products might change the way people move around cities, the Munich-based company said in a release.

Said Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board member of the new division, during a press conference in Munich this week: "[BMW i] products and services have been conceived around a revolutionary approach: purpose designed and purpose built for sustainable, premium mobility."

But there will also be a portfolio of alternative-powertrain vehicles under the BMW i banner, the first of which are the fully electric BMW i3, which was initially called "MegaCity," and the BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

To support all of this the company will launch a global marketing campaign. BMW teased the new effort this week with a light-show and video projections on the flanks of its architecturally stunning headquarters in Munich. On Tuesday, BMW put up similar displays at the Munich Opera House and other city spaces.

In a departure from the traditional auto-focused advertising of its parent, the BMW i venture will advertise with lifestyle images that will "gradually be complemented with more and more content related to the products," per a company statement.

There is also a new Web site, www.BMW-i.com, showing several films about the generation of the forthcoming BMW i3 and BMW i8 cars from design sketches to engineering principles. The Web site will also have a social media element, mining online debates around developments in urbanization, sustainability and mobility, with links to BMW i's Facebook, YouTube and Twitter fan sites, according to the company.

The company says its new "BMW i Ventures" is set to invest in "highly innovative service providers," The first of these is My City Way, which develops apps for information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the U.S. Another 40 cities will be part of the global rollout, including Munich, of course, according to the automaker.