X Rider scooter offers simpler, cheaper electric performance

Xtreme Green Products is set to release the X Rider electric scooter in the US spring. While there are plenty of electric scooters around this one distinguishes itself by its performance and its price tag when compared to the likes of the Vectrix VX-1. Unlike the Vectrix the X Rider does not have any fancy [...]

Reading: Fuel for thought

While digging around the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) web site I discovered Fuel for thought, a publication by the Future Fuels Forum 2007. This June 2008 publication informs us how the Future Fuels Forum thinks transport fuels will pan out in our future with modelling from now to 2050.  It is an [...]

KTM gets conceptual

KTM in partnership with the FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft have developed a number of concept vehicles ranging from a four wheel off-roader to a hydrofoil boat. My favourite is the oddly named sr 85 deuce, a light weight electric car that makes an Ariel Atom look positively obese. You can view all six concepts here.

New Schwinn fast charging electric bicycle

In September 2008 Schwinn Bicycles announced a strategic collaboration with Toshiba Corporation that they think is going to dramatically improve the uptake of electric bicycles around the world. Schwinn presented the results of this collaboration at the recent Interbike International Bicycle Expo in the form of the Tailwind. The Tailwind incorporates Toshiba’s new Super Charge [...]

CSIRO successfully commercialises the UltraBattery

This will be old news for some but a reader has just pointed out that the UltraBattery (previous post) has been successfully commercialised by the CSIRO. CSIRO has exclusive sub-license agreements with East Penn Manufacturing Company and The Furukawa Battery Company to manufacture and distribute the batteries. East Penn Manufacturing Company will service the automotive [...]

Victorian Transport Plan released

The Victorian Department of Transport released the Victorian Transport Plan (VTP) earlier this month. Not having a great understanding of Melbourne and Victoria make it hard to assess the VTP but at least Victoria has a plan. The proof will be in the execution. Highlights include: Up to 70 new trains and 100km of new [...]

evMe – the Australian Mazda 2 electric car

Back in February 2008 we wrote about the Blade Runner, now called the Electron, which is an electric Hyundai Getz produced by Blade Electric Vehicles. We are pleased to report that Australia now has a second company producing electric cars based on an existing small car platform. This time the conversion is being done by [...]

Locally produced four-cylinder Holden due in 2010

Holden and the Prime Minister held a combined press conference today at the Holden plant in Adelaide to announce the production of a new front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder car at the Elizabeth plant. The new car will be designed and engineered at Port Melbourne in Victoria and will commence production in the third quarter of 2010. The [...]

Australian Biodiesel Group gains access to new technology

In November 2008 the Australian Biodiesel Group (ABG) announced a planned strategic alignment with White Mountain Group (WMG). This alignment was in the form of an investment of $16 million in ABG by WMG and the transfer of a patented and commercially proven biodiesel technology to ABG that produces low cost renewable diesel fuel. Today [...]

Modec electric commercial vehicles find new customers

Modec have developed a battery powered commercial vehicle that is ideally suited to inner city work. UPS (UK) and Speedy Hire, the UK’s largest tool and equipment hire firm, have each announced the purchase of six of Modec’s.