Early Electric Car Charging

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Early Electric Car Charging
By Scott Wilson

What follows is what I’ve learned on the subject of how exactly the first generation of antique EVs were charged. This is interesting, since there are many striking parallels between how charging was done then and how it’s done now.

If I had a Detroit Electric or Baker, or any of several electric cars in the early 20th century, how would I charge it? One possibility would be that the dealer would keep it charged for me at their own charging location.

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(ruralroads.org)

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Hundreds of Electric Vehicles on the Streets of DC 100 Years Ago

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Washington, DC streets and parking garages are packed with tens of thousands of cars on any given day. Out of all those cars how often do you glimpse an EV? And how many electric vehicles do you think there are in the city? Several hundred maybe?

Imagine there were over 750 electric cars within the District of Columbia. Would that surprise you? Well, 100 years ago, the Washington Post reported in an article published in November 1913, that there were 756 electric pleasure cars in use in Washington, DC. Compare that to 497 electric vehicle registrations in the metropolitan Washington region reported by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments as of June 2012.
Mrs_RB_EmersonThe Electric Vehicle Association of America revealed at their 1913 annual convention that the city of Washington ranked fifth in the number of electric cars in personal use. Chicago was number one with 2,500 electric cars, Los Angeles was second with 1,000 and Denver and Detroit had about 800 each. Some of the reasons that Washington was said to be a popular place for battery-driven cars were the well paved streets, social life and moderate climate.

The cost to recharge electric vehicle batteries in Washington was reported to be the lowest among cities in the US. Many electric vehicles in cities were kept in large garages that would house the cars and maintain and charge the batteries and deliver them when the owners called.

By April 1915 there were over 1,000 electric vehicles in DC and four car dealers that exclusively sold electrics. The Washington Post reported that prior to the arrival of the electric dealers, agencies that sold mostly gas-powered cars would put one or two electric cars in a back corner and only sold them when someone specifically asked for an electric.
DC_Electric_DealersEven back then, people had to be reassured that electric vehicles were capable of making longer trips. Readers were reminded that, “Laurel, Rockville, Great Falls, Upper Marlboro, Brandywine, Olney, or even La Plata and Gaithersburg are within an afternoon’s drive in an electric.” On July 25, 1913, Bruce Emerson of Emerson and Orme, a Detroit Electric dealer in DC, made a highly publicized trip to Baltimore and back, 82 miles on one charge, to demonstrate the capabilities of the car.

The popularity of electric vehicles peaked around 1915 and history has largely neglected the stories of the early EVs. On May 27th, 2013 we plan to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the Electric Sociability Run where 54 of the electric vehicles in Washington gathered in Rock Creek Park for a picnic. For more information and to register, visit the Electric Sociability Run event page on MDVolt.org.

EVA/DC Meeting Minutes, March 20, 2013

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EVA/DC Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2013, 7 – 9 PM
Silver Spring Library
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  1. Introductions.  Approximately 50 people in attendance, many new faces and new EVs, including a Ford C-MAX Energi and a 2013 Leaf.
  2. Sport Chevrolet provided a nice overview of the Chevy Volt, and answered many questions.  Also discussed were other upcoming GM EVs including the Cadillac ELR and Chevy Spark EV.  Sport offered to host an upcoming meeting.  Thanks Sport!
  3. Request to clarify GAO decision (Scott).  Bob B., Charlie and Scott met with Alex Stern of Senator Mikulski’s office, to ask that Sen. Mikulski formally request that the GAO revisit its ruling that appropriated funds cannot be used to purchase electric vehicle charging stations, nor setup a program allowing the reimbursement of funds from private parties for charging stations and electricity.  The requested clarification is that the ruling does not apply to 120V convenience outlets and existing federal agency reimbursement procedures.  EV owners are happy to pay for their electricity usage.  Alex Stern agreed to pass a copy of EVA/DC’s drafted letter to Senator Mikulski, for additional consideration.
  4. Management meeting.  There will be an upcoming EVA/DC management meeting, which will discuss the organization’s tax status, bylaws, organization, web site, listserv, signup process, notifications, finances and other issues.  All EVA/DC members are welcome to attend.  Date and location TBD, target early-mid April.  Contact Eric C. for details.
  5. Takoma Park charging – the group is somewhat surprised that there are no charging stations in Takoma Park, which would be a great location to have a station. Perhaps local merchants, such as the Green Commuter, should be approached for their support.
  6. SCCA race.  The Sports Car Club of America is interested in an EV division for an upcoming Time, Speed and Distance (TSD) event.  At least three EVs are needed to participate.  The event will be April 26 in Ellicott City.  Contact Lanny for details.
  7. EV Grand Prix.  Dave G. reported progress on the upcoming EV Grand Prix.  Nabil Bedewi is organizing this event, which will be held June 15 at a location TBD.  The goal is to get the most miles out a charge. Racing rules from electrathon will be used.  The high school teams are looking for mentors, contact Dave G.  There are ten high schools participating, including:
    1. Wheaton H.S.
    2. Phelps School of Architecture and Engineering
    3. Sidwell Friends
    4. School without Walls (at GWU)
    5. Clarksburg H.S.
    6. Hereford H.S.
    7. High Point H.S.
    8. Sandy Spring Friends
    9. Warwick H.S., in Virginia
    10. Rowante H.S., near Tidewater, Virginia
  8. VA registration increase - registration of hybrid vehicles in Virginia is about to be increased by $100, pending the signature of Gov. McDonnell.
  9. MD tax credit expired - the Maryland incentive of up to $2000 off the excise (sales) tax of the purchase of a new EV has expired.  Hopefully this will be renewed in an upcoming legislative session.
  10. Previous Events
    1. Davidsonville Expo.  This was the 5th annual Davidsonville Green Fair.  Elvia coordinated the EV organization.  Dave D., Dennis, Bryan and Scott brought cars.  The event went well.
    2. Gaithersburg H2O Summit.  Dave G. reported on this summit, which included Leafs and Volts and had participation from Criswell.  The event went well.
  11. Upcoming Events
    1. MD Volt meetup, April 6, at Walgreens on Connecticut Ave. near Van Ness Metro.  Come see the only ChaDEmo DC fast charge station within hundreds of miles!  See http://www.mdvolt.org/ or contact Lanny.
    2. Tesla informal meetup, April 7 at the Half Note Lounge in Bowie.  Contact Eric M.
    3. U.S. PTO Green Fair, April 11, 10-2 at PTO HQ.  Looking for vehicles and volunteers.  See http://evadc.org/events/event/u-s-pto-green-fair/ or contact Eric C.
    4. EPA National Sustainable Design Expo & P3, April 18-19 on the National Mall.  Looking for vehicles and volunteers.  See http://evadc.org/events/event/epa-p3-2013-national-sustainable-design-expo/ and contact Joe L.
    5. U.S. Geological Survey Earth Day, April 23 10:30 – 2:00 at USGS HQ in Reston.  See http://evadc.org/events/event/u-s-geological-survey-earth-day/ or contact Bruce L. for details.
    6. Rockville Science Day.  April 28 at Montgomery College in Rockville.  EVADC has supported this for many years, and this is a well-attended event, especially fun for kids.  Looking for vehicles, volunteers and a trail boss.  Contact Charlie.
    7. Loudon County Earth Day, April 28 from 10-4.  Looking for Chevy Volts. Contact Bruce L.
    8. Electric Sociability Run, May 27 (Memorial Day) in DC.  See www.pluginrally.org or contact Lanny.
    9. Fairfax County, June.  TBD.  Contact Dennis.

Honda Fit EV Test Drive

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This week was the Washington DC Auto Show. One day before the show opens to the IMG_20130131_152255public they have Public Policy/Press days which as an exhibitor I got to attend. Upon arriving for press day I spotted a blue Honda Fit that I knew immediately had to be the Fit EV. I also knew they usually give test drives during press day so I eagerly headed to the Honda booth to inquire about a test drive. Sure enough they were offering test drives and I was going to be the first person of the day to drive it, which was a little disconcerting since it was already 3 o’clock, how could I be the first! I also soon found out that I would graciously be behind the wheel of the ONLY Fit EV on the East Coast!

Unique EV Features in the Fit

IMG_20130131_151939I hopped straight in and took a moment to figure out every little feature that the Fit offered. One of the first and most important things you will notice when behind the wheel is that the Fit EV offers 3 different driving modes. These are located on the left side of the dash near the base of the steering column.  The first mode is sport mode and it will tell the vehicle controller to provide more current to the motor for faster acceleration. The second mode is normal that is a balanced mode. The third mode is an Econ mode that tells the controller to conserve the most power by limiting the current to the motor so that acceleration is much slower but the benefit of this mode is that it will extend the driving range of the vehicle.  I could see myself switching between these modes at different times while driving around the city. Continue reading →

EVA/DC Meeting Minutes, January 16, 2013

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EVA/DC Meeting Minutes

 January 16, 2013

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Silver Spring Library

  1. Introductions
  1. Jill Sorensen (BEVI) updated us on the status of the YES Corp, a summer intern program for college students.
  1. Charlie Garlow discussed the junior solar sprints. The next competition will be at Dunloring Middle School in Va.
  1. The gentleman from Estonia told us about his company called “Park Now” which allows users to pay for parking and EV charging via their cell phones.
  1. Michael Krauthamer explained the eVgo charging network. Focus on L3 charging. First station in the area at Van Ness metro will open in three weeks.
  1. Bob Bruninga stated the BW Medical Center has added four L1 charging stations.
  1. Dave Goldstein and Eric Cardwell appealed to the club for cars to be shown in the DC Auto Show.
  1. Jill Sorensen announced the Baltimore Auto Show and stated that Motor Trend is sponsoring an EV ride and drive.
  2.  Dave Goldstein suggested that the club sell the Aztec. Members agreed. Bryan Murtha will contact an interested party from MIT. If they cannot work out a deal, the Aztec will list on ebay.
  1. Elvia Thompson announced the Davidsonville Green Expo; appealed to the club to provide vehicles.
  1. Lanny Hartmann announced the next MD Volt Meetup.
  1. Jeffrey Jacobs announced the EVA/DC February meeting will be held in Dunloring, VA.
  1. Jeffrey Jacobs announced that club members are putting a bulk purchase together for a home made SOC meter for the LEAF ($60-$90).

Minutes submitted by:
John Alder
Secretary

Review of the 2011 Think City

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A Household with multiple Electric Vehicles (EVs) – The 2011 Th!nk City in a 2012 LEAF Home

by: Dave Glotfelty

I have two new drivers in my family, and four drivers total.  We recently purchased a 2012 Nissan LEAF (“Leaf”), which we love, but with other cars failing and new drivers in the house, it was time for another new car.

The 2012 Leaf that we bought in December 2011 has spoiled me.  Although I am a big guy – six foot tall – I am still generally comfortable with small cars.  The Leaf is bigger than a small car, and is technically in the midsize class – it’s very roomy, and I find it very comfortable and relaxing to drive.   The Bluetooth, Navigation system, Charging Station Locator, and backup camera are all very useful tools and fun to play with.  And best of all – there is NO GAS!  I pay only about three cents per mile for electricity.
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