Also Try Commuting Alternatives Electric Golf Carts Flywheel Energy Storage Fuel Cell Power Quadcycles Tricycles Tricycling Lesson Plans Alternative Fuels for Cars (School Discovery)Provides lessons for alternative fuels for cars. "Pretend that you live in the year 3000. Your group is a team of archaeologists who have been studying the very interesting time period of A.D. 2000-2050." 1-02 Helmets - How They Protect (Superspeedway.com) Provides a lesson on how and why a helmet protects the head from injury. 12-01 Lists Autos - Station Cars (National Station Car Association) Provides sources of information on station cars, small electric vehicles that are rented at mass transit terminals. 6-01 Electric Vehicles (Dmoz) Provides dozens of sources of information on electric vehicles. 1-02 Electric Vehicles (Electric-Bikes.com) Provides dozens of articles (with pictures) of the lastest light electric vehicles that are currently available. 6-01 News Batteries - Manganese Lithium-Ion Batteries (Electrifying Times) Describes a new battery built and tested by Mitsubishi. 2-02 Build an Electric Car (Didik.com) Describes how to design and build an electric car. 2-02 Compressed Air Car (Electrifying Times) Describes the MDI Zero Pollution Vehicle, which runs on compressed air. "In urban areas, the engine powers a five-seat vehicle with a range of approximately 200 km using 300 litters of compressed air (300 bar) stored in either carbon or glass fiber tanks." Factory production of the vehicle is expected soon according to the manufacturer. 2-02 Electric Car News and Innovations (Electrifying Times) Provides articles and news related to electic vehicles. 2-02 Senate Rejects Rules Requiring Better Mileage (Philadelphia Inquirer - Kuhnhenn) "A powerful alliance of carmakers and autoworkers yesterday crushed an environmentalist push to increase fuel-efficiency standards, as the Senate removed mileage requirements from a sweeping energy bill." 3-02 Papers -Autos - Fuel Cell Powered DaimlerChrysler Necar5 (HyWeb) Provides pictures and information on possibly the first production car that is powered by a fuel cell. The fuel cell gains electricity to power the car's electric motor by using methanol as a fuel. The Necar5 has been approved for use in Europe and is currently being tested in the USA. "Necar 4, based on a Mercedes-Benz A-class compact car, reaches top speeds of 90 mph... and can travel nearly 280 miles before refueling." The car seats five. 6-01 -Electric Cars (Awesome Library) Summarizes developments on electric and fuel cell power for cars. Alternative Fuels for Electric Cars - Companies (Darnell.com) Provides companies, associations, and government agencies involved in the development of alternative fuels for electric cars. 3-02 Autos - A History of Electric Autos (Econogics.com) Provides a history of attempts to make electric vehicles in the USA. Listed alphabetically by company name. 5-01 Autos - Electric (Fuel Economy) Describes standard electric vehicles now available in the USA, including Toyota RAV4 EV, Ford Think, Ford Ranger EV, and Ford Explorer Usps Electric. 6-01 Autos - Electric Auto - Regeneration of Zinc-Air Batteries (Electric-Fuel.com) Describes regeneration of the most effective batteries for electric vehicles, zinc-air. May be used with zinc-air fuel cells. Sometimes spelled zinc air. 5-01 Autos - Electric Auto - Zinc-Air Batteries (Electric-Fuel.com) Describes the zinc-air battery, ready for use in electric autos. The battery provides up to eight times the energy of a lead-acid battery, but must be regenerated at a special facility. May be used in conjunction with zinc-air fuel cells. Sometimes spelled zinc air. 5-01 Autos - Electric Autos (EV's) (EVUK) Describes the latest electric autos. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 5-01 Autos - Electric Car Battery Comparisons (Hondaev.org) Compares the miles each type of car battery will yield in the same car, a Honda EV plus. The types of batteries compared are the lead acid (currently used in most cars), metal hydride (used in the electric Honda), zinc-air (the best), and lithium-ion (not yet available). Sometimes spelled zinc air. 5-01 Autos - Electric Cars Cost More to Build (Detroit News) Although cars produce most of the greenhouse gases that are causing global warming, costs may be keeping consumers from buying more environmentally-friendly cars. 6-01 Autos - Electric Corbin Sparrow (Corbinmotors.com) Provides information on one of the only all electric automobiles currently available in the USA. Goes 30 - 60 miles per charge and goes 0 - 60 in 14 to 17 seconds. Price listed near 15,000 dollars. (With a zinc-air battery or fuel cell, it may get as far as 350 miles per charge.) Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 5-01 Autos - Electric DaimlerChrysler Necar5 (HyWeb) Provides pictures and information on possibly the first production car that is powered by a fuel cell. The fuel cell gains electricity to power the car's electric motor by using methanol as a fuel. The Necar5 has been approved for use in Europe and is currently being tested in the USA. "Necar 4, based on a Mercedes-Benz A-class compact car, reaches top speeds of 90 mph... and can travel nearly 280 miles before refueling." The car seats five. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Electric Ford Think (ThinkMobility.com) Describes the all electric car. Goes up to 56 miles per hour and gets 53 miles per charge on NiCad batteries. With a fuel cell instead, mileage per charge should be much more. Price was not listed. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Electric General Motors EV1 (General Motors Electric Vehicle) Provides the specifications for the electric car that uses lead-acid or nickle-metal hydride batteries, goes up to 80 mph, and can go up to 130 miles on a charge. The price was listed as starting around 34,000 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Electric Gizmo (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Company) Describes the three-wheel car, which would be licensed as a motorcycle. Goes up to 40 miles per hour and gets 45 miles per charge on lead-acid batteries. With a fuel cell instead, mileage per charge should be triple. Price listed between $8,500 - $9,000. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Electric Honda EV (Hondaev.org) Provides information on one of the only all electric automobiles currently available in the USA. Goes 100 - 140 miles per charge and goes 0 - 60 in 14 to 17 seconds. (With a zinc-air battery, it may get as far as 250 miles per charge.) The car can only be leased, with no down payment or maintenance costs. The lease is for three years at 450 dollars per month. You may need to live in California to qualify. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 5-01 Autos - Electric Neighborhood Vehicles (Zapworld.com) Describes the neighborhood electric vehicle designed to meet federal standards for use on public streets. (Local laws may need to be changed to make it legal within your own neighborhood, however.) It has a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour and costs between 7,500 and 8,000 dollars. With a fuel cell instead of lead-acid batteries, mileage per charge should be triple. Price listed between $8,500 - $9,000 for the two-seat version. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Electric Smart (Smart.com) Describes the electric car that is available in Europe. 6-01 Autos - Electric Solectria (Solectria) Provides information on one of the only all electric automobiles currently available in the USA. Goes up to 100 miles per charge with a nickel metal hydride battery. (With a zinc-air battery or fuel cell, it may get as far as 300 miles per charge.) Sometimes spelled zinc air. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 5-01 Autos - Electric Tango (Commuter Cars Corporation) Provides specifications for the electric commuter car that goes up to 124 miles an hour and claims 0 - 60 mph in four seconds. No pricing was provided. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Electric Three-Wheel (Omni Instruments) Provides a comparison of the available three-wheel electric vehicles, as well as electric scooters and bicycles. 6-01 Autos - Electric Toyota RAV EV (EV World) Provides a review of the electric SUV. 6-01 Autos - Electric Vehicles - An Essay (Digital Revolution - Moore) Though an interview with Steve Metzger, describes the current sales of small, low-speed electric vehicles, sometimes called neighborhood electric vehicles. Suggests that by combining the current mass production of golf carts with the efficiency of fuel cells, the EV market could be grown successfully. 6-01 Autos - Electric Vehicles Reviewed (EV World) Reviews or test drives electric vehicles. 6-01 Autos - Electric and Solar Electrilite Concept Tricycle (Omni Instruments) Describes and illustrates many characteristics of a good, three-wheel neighborhood electric tricycle. The design includes important safety features and three sources of energy - electric, solar, and human. It is designed to go 40 mph and cost 2,400 dollars. 6-01 Autos - Electric, Three-Wheel, and Tilting Prototype (ZEDIS) Describes a three-wheeled neighborhood electric vehicle protoype, including pictures of one that has been developed. The prototype contains many components that are desirable in low emissions neighborhood transportation, such as impact absorption safety features, tilting in turns, easy entry and exit, and more. 6-01 Autos - Electric, Three-Wheeled, and Tilting (Leaning Trikes) Describes the mechanisms used in leaning trikes. Includes motorized versions and has many pictures. Many have fairings (aerodynamic coverings). Sometimes called three-wheel bicycles. 6-01 Autos - Hybrid Honda Insight (HowStuffWorks.com) Provides drawings to show how the hybrid gas and electric automobile works. 11-00. Autos - Solar Cells (Uni-Solar) Provides characteristics, including weight, of Uni-Solar photovoltaic thin film for application to car roofs, trunks, hoods, etc. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Solar Cells (Uni-Solar) Provides photovoltaic thin film for application to car roofs, trunks, hoods, etc. Pricing is under 400 dollars for 32 watt (1.94 amps and 16.5 volts) flexible panels. A panel weighs about 4.7 pounds and is .25 inches thick. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Autos - Solar Information (Regenerative Power and Motion) Provides research on human power and solar power to show the amount of energy needed for various types of human and solar combinations of power for cars. 6-01 Autos - The Cost of Owning and Operating (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Company) Discusses the costs of owning and operating a car and points out that the internal combustion engine cannot continue for much longer. 6-01 Autos - The Least Polluting Car (GreenCars.com) Describes the Toyota Prius as the best combination of convenience, fuel economy, and low pollution levels. The Prius is a hybrid of gas and electric power. 12-00 Autos - The Least Polluting Car Reviews (GreenCars.com) Describes the Toyota Prius from a driver's point of view. The Prius is a hybrid of gas and electric power. 12-00 Autos - The Least Polluting Cars (CNN - Environmental Network News Staff) "According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, vehicle exhaust accounts for 70 percent of smog in the United States." The Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight are two of the least pollution cars available in the USA because they use hybrid gas and electric power. 4-01 Batteries - Gel Batteries (AWSolar) Provides characteristics of different gel batteries, designed to never need topping up and claims are made of no gassing. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01 Batteries - Lithium Compared to Alkaline (Tadiranbat.Lithiuim Batteries) Compares the energy available from different types of lithium batteries with alkaline batteries. 12-00 Batteries - Manufacturers (About.com) Provides a list of battery manufacturers, including most types of batteries, such as Alkaline, Carbon Zinc, Lithium, Lithium Ion, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Sealed Lead-Acid, VRLA Modular, and more. 12-00 Bicycles (Awesome Library) Summarizes strengths and weaknesses of bicycles and makes some recommendations. 6-01 Buses - Electric KAZ Bus (Keio) Provides information on an electric bus that seats eight. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 5-01 Conversion to Electric (Uve) Provides sources of parts for conversion of a gas-powered car to electric. 2-02 Efficient Pollution Reduction by Fixing the Worst Polluters (WhyFiles.org) Shows how dealing with the 10 percent worst polluters is the most cost-effective short-term approach to reducing pollutants. Suggests that half the current pollution rate can be achieved by fixing the 10 percent. 2-02 Electric Bicycles - 10 Reasons to Use (Currie Technologies) Provides 10 reasons to use an electric bicycle compared to other forms of transportation. 2-02 Electric Cars - Lack of Demand or Lack of Commitment (MotherJones.com) Discusses whether there is a shortage of demand for ZEVs (zero emission vehicles) or whether there is a lack of commitment by auto manufactureres to make them. 9-01 Fact Sheet for Electric Cars (Electronic Universe Project) Provides basic energy requirements for an electric car. "A practical motor vehicle needs about 30 KWH of deliverable energy for a range of 100 miles." 1-02 Flywheel Energy Storage (EV World - Moore) Discusses a prototype flywheel to replace batteries in a hybrid car. The PowerBeam flywheel was invented by Chris Ellis. 2-02 Flywheel Energy Storage - Formulas (Fradella) Provides formulas for developing an effective flywheel for storing electrical energy. Regenerative braking in cars or electric bikes is a variation on the concept. Flywheel Energy Storage for Cars - Benefits (Flywheel Energy Systems) Describes the benefits of using flywheel technology for energy buffering because of its ideal characteristics of long life cycle, usefulness for short bursts of power, and no pollution. 1-02 Flywheel Power Assist for Cars (Popular Mechanics) Describes a flywheel energy system, by Aura Systems Flywheel, designed to replace a car's alternator, flywheel, solenoid, starter, and belts. 3-02 Flywheel for a Car - How It Works (Scientific American - Rosen and Castleman) Describes a flywheel for use in a car for storage of electric power. A gimbal ring isolates the flywheel from the movement of the car to prevent interference with steering. 3-02 Flywheel-Powered Cars (Rainforest) Describes a flywheel energy storage system developed by Jack Bitterly and associates that may soon replace batteries for electric cars. 3-02 Flywheel-Powered Hybrid Cars (AFS Trinity) Describes electric cars that will be powered by a combination of fuel cells and flywheel energy. 3-02 Flywheel-Powered Neighborhood Cars (Dynasty Motorcar Corporation) Describes a flywheel energy storage system, CEMB Flywheel Technology, to replace batteries for electric neighborhood cars. 3-02 Fuel Cells for Electric Cars (Why Files) Describes the use of fuel cells in cars, expected in 2004. 1-02 Golf Carts Now Allowed on Streets - New Federal Standard (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Company - Murphy) Presents the new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (49 CFR 571.500), which allows four wheel motor vehicles designed to go under 25 miles per hour to use neighborhood streets. However, the new standard "requires low-speed vehicles to be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers." Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are now supported by federal law. 6-01 Helmets - HANS Device to Protect Neck (HowStuffWorks.com) Describes a head and neck safety device that fits with a helmet to protect the neck in an accident. Drivers and passengers of small electric vehicles should consider the device since, in an accident, maximum protection for the neck is needed. While practicing for an upcoming race, Bruno Junqueira spun out of control and slammed into a concrete wall at 200 mph (322 kph). "Junqueira, who was wearing the HANS device, walked away from the crash without injury." 12-01 Helmets - How to Fit a Helmet (RaceCarsSupply.com) Describes how to fit a helmet and check for pressure points that should be avoided. 12-01 Helmets Save Lives (Orlando Sentinel - Stutzman) Provides a summary of the accidents and fatalities that have resulted from Florida removing the requirement for motorcyclists to wear helmets. 2-02 Hybrid Cars Currently Available (U.S. Department of Energy - Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program) Provides information on buying a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), answers frequently asked questions, and provides a simulator that allows you to test your own ideas. 6-01 Hybrid Cars Soon to be Available (U.S. Department of Energy - Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program) Provides news on cars soon to be produced for national or international availability. 6-01 Hybrid Electric Vehicles (Scientific American - Wouk) Descusses the design and marketing of cars that use electric motors and internal combustion engines. 3-02 Recharging Stations for Electricity (U.S. Department of Energy) Provides locations of electricity charging stations by zip code and distance. 6-01 Solar Panel Prices (Greenies) Provides a variety of solar (photovoltaic) panels. The Uni-Solar 32 watt flexible panel is under 400 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01 Solar Panel Prices (Myles Recreational Accessories) Provides the Uni-Solar 32 watt flexible panel, which is under 400 dollars. Recommends the use of a controller with the solar panels to protect the batteries from going over 14.3 volts during peak times. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01 Solar Panel Prices (Tasman Energy) Provides a variety of solar (photovoltaic) panels. The Uni-Solar 32 watt flexible panel is under 400 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01 Three-Wheel Electric Vehicles - Twike (Twike) Describes the covered vehicle that runs on NiCad batteries and can be pedaled to reduce fuel use. Very finished design and also very expensive. Price lists for between 17 and 20,000 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. Sometimes called three wheel bicycles. 6-01 Three-Wheeled Electric Vehicles - Twike (EV World - Manganiello) Reviews the covered Twike trike that runs on NiCad batteries. Very finished design and also very expensive. Price lists for between 17 and 20,000 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. Sometimes called three-wheel bicycles. 6-01 Turbine Power for a Car (Capstone Turbine Corp.) Describes a hybrid electric, small turbine engine-generator-powered bus for low emissions, low maintenance, and high fuel efficiency. 3-02 Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger (Segway.com) Provides general specifications for an electric, two-wheel personal transporter. The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01 Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger Description (Time.com) Describes how the electric, two-wheel personal transporter works. "Not only does it have no brakes, it also has no engine, no throttle, no gearshift and no steering wheel. And it can carry the average rider for a full day, nonstop, on only five cents' worth of electricity." The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01 Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger Picture (HowStuffWorks.com) Provides details of how an electric, two-wheel personal transporter works. The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01 Two-Wheel Transporter - Segway Ginger Picture (Time.com) Provides details of how an electric, two-wheel personal transporter works. The device is expected to be available commercially toward the end of 2002 and is expected to sell for around 3,000 dollars. It is designed to replace an auto for short trips. The device stays upright due to gyros. 11-01 Projects Grants for Alternative Energy Commuting Programs (U.S. Department of Energy) Provides grants for programs to demonstrate alternative energy uses for commuting. 3-02 Purchase Resources Electric Bicycles (Viking) Starts at around $1,150 for electric bicycle with lights and other accessories. 12-02 Flywheel Power for an Electric Car (EvWorld - Gottfried) Describes the CEMB flywheel energy storage system that is alleged to store four times the energy of a battery of similar weight. Awesome Library does not endorse the product, but provides it as an example. 1-02 Helmets - Good Protection (RaceCarsSupply.com) Describes helmets designed for race cars. Helps protect the neck and face, as well as the head, with kevlar. Light weight and ventilated designs available. Recommended for cycle riders and use with smaller cars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but provides them as examples. 12-01 Helmets - HANS Device to Protect Neck (HansDevice.com) Describes a head and neck safety device that fits with a helmet to protect the neck in an accident. Drivers and passengers of small electric vehicles should consider the device since, in an accident, maximum protection for the neck is needed. 12-01 Moped or Motorbike (Voloci.com) Starts at around $2,500 for electric with an NiMH battery. Weighs 79 pounds (including battery pack), goes up to 50 miles on a double battery pack, and recharges in 3 hours. The battery pack is designed for easy removal for recharging. Does not pedal. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but provides it as an example. 12-02

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