China Set to Leapfrog the U.S. in Electric Car Production
September 1st, 2010 // 10:55 am @ Miss Electric
The Chinese government announced a few weeks ago that it plans to invest up to $14.8 billion (100 billion yuan) over the next ten years to stimulate the production of plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars. The country intends to have 5 million of these vehicles on the road by 2020. That kind of commitment makes [...]
Category : Plug-In Policies
Top Five Reasons to Drive A Clean Green Machine
August 27th, 2010 // 1:54 pm @ Miss Electric
Why do I love driving clean, green machines? Why should you consider one for your next car? Here are the top five reasons why a hybrid or plug-in car could be the one for you. 1. Save Money: Hybrid and plug-in cars have a lower overall operating cost. Less money at the pump means more [...]
Category : Marketing EVs
Why Electric Cars Should Be Marketed Like the Ford Fiesta
August 21st, 2010 // 10:46 am @ Miss Electric
Crowdsourcing is an effective way to involve potential consumers in the promotion of clean cars. In marketing terms, this means outsourcing your advertising to crowds of experts and enthusiasts. One of the most successful examples of crowdsourcing is the Ford Fiesta Movement. To build buzz for the compact, fuel-efficient Fiesta, Ford has launched two major [...]
Category : Marketing EVs
Obama: VC for the EV Industry
August 20th, 2010 // 2:18 pm @ Miss Electric
Several pundits have lamented the failure of a climate bill to pass through Congress, but it is important to keep one thing clear. Clean technology deployment is core to any policy intended to decrease GHG emissions. In this respect, we have witnessed unprecedented funding for the clean tech industry from the Obama Administration. In fact, [...]
Category : Plug-In Policies
Be the First on Your Block to Drive the Electric Smart ForTwo
August 17th, 2010 // 6:12 pm @ Miss Electric
The Smart ForTwo has been turning heads for several years now, but a new version may give its cousin a run for its money when it hits city streets this fall. A Smart ForTwo Electric Drive (ED) is in the works and a select group of drivers will have the opportunity to be one of [...]
Category : Plug-In Cars
Plug-In Hybrid Algae Car Seen on L.A. Streets
August 16th, 2010 // 3:13 pm @ Miss Electric
Last week, as I was walking to a music venue on Main St. in Venice, CA, I happened across this stunning futuristic piece of machinery. It is a converted plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius that runs on electricity and algae fuel. It happens to be driven by Josh and Rebecca Tikell, who also directed the award-winning [...]
Category : Miss Electric On the Road &Plug-In Cars
Rockin It in the Fiesta: How About An Efficiency Gauge?
August 15th, 2010 // 4:10 pm @ Miss Electric
Can Americans handle this much Fiesta? We had to wait awhile to get our hands on a 2011 Ford Fiesta. Ford has been touting the vehicle for over a year now through their highly successful Ford Fiesta Movement and Fiesta Project on YouTube. Finally, this summer, the Ford Fiesta is now available for purchase. I [...]
Category : Hybrid Test Drives
Who Wants to Be Called “Retro”?
August 13th, 2010 // 11:23 am @ Miss Electric
The way in which we frame clean technology is a determining factor for the success of the industry. Language guides action. By developing frames that inspire, engage emotions, and resonate strongly with widely-held concerns, we can catapult demand and increase our triple bottom-line. David Fenton, from Fenton Communications, gave a compelling presentation on this topic [...]
Category : Marketing EVs
Why is Petroleum Still So Cheap?
August 12th, 2010 // 5:43 pm @ Miss Electric
The clean tech transporation sector has experienced remarkable success in the past few years, yet there still remains one huge roadblock from mass implementation – cheap fossil fuels. Some may think this is simply a matter of free-market capitalism at work. The real truth is that petroleum and coal industries continue to receive massive subsidies [...]
Category : Oil Politics and Supply &Plug-In Policies
Chevy Volt: Sweetly Priced for Many Americans, Not for Poor Journalists
July 30th, 2010 // 2:23 pm @ Miss Electric
The Chevy Volt’s long-awaited price tag was finally unveiled this week – $33,500 to purchase (after the $7500 federal tax credit) or $350/month to lease (with $2500 down). Despite what underpaid journalists have reported this week in regards to the Volt being “too expensive,” this is a sweet price for many Americans. The main reason [...]
Category : Marketing EVs