[HoosierRon]

"Smartlets" could charge plug-in vehicles from sidewalk

According to Automotive News, Loenthal envisions Smartlets available for EVs and PHEVs in urban areas where people normally park their cars: parking lots, offices, stores, etc. Of course, Smartlet-like chargers are already available (for free) in some areas, like London.

GM likes the idea, but is taking a hands-off approach, but GM's vice president of global program management. Jon Lauckner, told Lowenthal and Mandal last fall that Smartlets are "a good idea."

 

[GMusa]

Thats a really really good idea!!!!

 

[scout62]

They had plug in stations at CostCo when the EV1 was around, never saw them get used.

 

[big swede]

I mentioned this when I first learned of the Volt. It could be just like a parking meter but you put in money for a charge. Employers could get creative and offer free charging to certain emplyees or use it as incentive. If employers had chargers, even for pay, it could basically end gas useage during the week for just about everyone.

 

[ctaylorzl1]

Never thought of it, but its a great idea! Especially like big swede said, about charging at work and such! That being said, I am still against electric vehicles.

 

[ChevroletRevived]

This is an idea that has been around in a different forms for a while. In this application it's very smart. Basically a parking meter with a charging outlet. You can put in coins to charge it, I like the way they are implementing this a LOT. Interesting name too!

 

[ctaylorzl1]

I bet Big Oil has already patented this idea and started working on it, so they will pickup the slack that will be lost from hybrid/electric cars!

 

[gerardo_zg]

I have a question. What's the main source of electrical energy in USA?

 

[Ronald McChevy]

Never thought of it, but its a great idea! Especially like big swede said, about charging at work and such! That being said, I am still against electric vehicles.

Why are you against EVs? If you mean you wouldn't buy one yourself, then fine, but if not please explain.

I have a question. What's the main source of electrical energy in USA?

Coal, which we have a huge supply of. But you're right, we should just keep buying oil from people that hate us instead.

 

[NoNameDenton]

Even Wal-Mart is getting in on this game, but somehow I think this will all backfire on us somehow, maybe drive up the electrical use that we pay more or something

 

[ChevroletRevived]

Even Wal-Mart is getting in on this game, but somehow I think this will all backfire on us somehow, maybe drive up the electrical use that we pay more or something

Not if you have solar panels!

 

[NoNameDenton]

Not if you have solar panels!

Maybe, but as no technology does not come with some pitfalls, we will have to see what they are for this one, not to mention the fact that the Volt is going to be more expensive then previosuly thought, enough so that GM said they are willing to take the LOSS from the car.

 

[mgescuro]

The Bay Area is already ahead of you GM!

A number of BART stations have electric vehicle plug-in stations already. Had 'em for years too.
What would be smart would be to upgrade the parking meters to be dual-charging stations and parking meters.

 

[mikmak]

I think copper just became good investment again. How many stupid kids are going to start hacking those things off (whilsted video phoned of course) Jackass style. Anyone wonder why your antenna retracts into your car?

 

[gerardo_zg]

Why are you against EVs? If you mean you wouldn't buy one yourself, then fine, but if not please explain.



Coal, which we have a huge supply of. But you're right, we should just keep buying oil from people that hate us instead.

I see, so there it goes the enviromentalist argument of electric cars. As for buying oil from people that hates you, I couldn't care less.

 

[HoosierRon]

I have a question. What's the main source of electrical energy in USA?

The main source of electricity in the USA

is coal from the USA

.

Glad you asked! Your question further illuminates our need to get off our addiction to foreign oil

and again rely on USA

energy supplies.

 

[jkennedy293]

Now we just have to figure out a way to keep non-EVs out of these spots.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

Now we just have to figure out a way to keep non-EVs out of these spots.

Awesome. Even more parking tickets!

Someone said this a very long time ago on here, but could there be a possibility to use the Volt as a generator if the electricity goes out?

 

[LARSONEM]

I still don't get the electric vehicle. The North American International Auto Show this year was all about hot plug in cars. We burn coal and natural gas to create electricity for the most part in this country. Yes this gets us off foriegn oil. But what does it do for our environment? We still add pollution to the air and heat to the atmosphere as there are emissions as a by product from burining these fuels. A truely green car, would have the ability to regenerate through braking, minimizing the need to recharge via a plug in alone. We are headed in the right direction, but we aren't there yet and need to keep thinking on a better solution.

 

[CaptainDan]

I see, so there it goes the enviromentalist argument of electric cars. As for buying oil from people that hates you, I couldn't care less.

This post makes no sense to me.


I realize that you may not care about the "political" aspects of foreign energy dependence, and that's fine. You may not care about the "environmentalist" aspect either. That is also fine. But all he really wanted to know was "why do you ask?" And you ARE rather vague on that.

Your question regarding the source of electric power generation would seem to be argumentative, but you give no argument. He tried to answer your argument not knowing what your argument actually was. I must admit, since you would seem to rule out any environmental, or foreign energy dependence issues, just what reason might be left.