Author Archives: Rene Carlos

January 2014 Minutes

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The big news, is, of course, the DC Auto Show, now underway.  Ron got us underway at seven, with immediate pizza and drinks.  We then put out the call for volunteers- now through Feb. 1, including (especially) weekdays.  Sign up at the signupgenius.com link we’ve already posted.  If you volunteer for more than a four-hour shift, we get you in for wasfree (for the whole show) as an exhibitor.  No, you don’t have to have an EV, we could use warm bodies to hand out flyers.

We introduced new faces (hi again) and recapped the Baltimore Auto Show.  Our area was well-placed and high-traffic; we had display EVSEs and plenty of literature.  We had representation from the Maryland Department of the Environment and EVIC (EV Infrastructure Council).  Lots of Volt owners in Baltimore, apparently.  All our stuff is now in the DC Show.

Charlie and others attended the Montgomery County Council meeting, discussing charging in multi-unit developments.  California already has legislation prohibiting EVSE bans or excessive restrictions, though of course you would supply your own EVSE.  Even an ordinary 120-volt outlet would be great, though of course 240 volts would be better.  We’re still waiting; neither the state nor counties and municipalities want to take the lead.

Last Sunday’s Washington Post had an article that was surprisingly pro-EV.  Club members wrote back, and agreed that there’s a lot more to electric vehicles than just the savings at the pump… though we’re STILL saving versus the pump. Continue reading →

National Drive Electric Week 2014

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i1852d…or at least, several local Drive Electric days.  A great time was had all around our area.  The Frederick EVent, on Friday by MOM’s Grocery, had man cars rotating through the day.  Besides the usual Volts, Leafs, and Teslas, there was a Smart ED and Honda Fit EV.  A Nissan dealer also made an appearance, and gave test drives.  Thanks, Ron!

110512522dSaturday saw EVents in Baltimore and Bethesda.  In Baltimore, at the Maryland Science Center, there were not only owner cars for show, and test rides in our overflow area, by the three solar arrays.  Delegations from GM, BG&E, and the Maryland Energy Administration also came along.  The Chevy Spark EV and Cadillac ELR were not on the list for test rides, though.

One vendor even had his “son-of-segway” personal EV!  Mark was brave enough to hop on.  Thanks, Mark!  520d

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September 2014 Minutes

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Again, so much news this month.  So much we had to bone up on pizza and snacks immediately.

Charlie then called the meeting to order, with introductions.  We welcomed several new EV owners, such as Dylan, from Capital News Service, and Jacob, from a car dealership.  He’s trying to spread word among customers and other dealers alike… and colleges, and housing developers.

ndewJoyce reminded us of the Poolesville Drive Electric Event/Poolesville Day this Saturday; she was later joined by co-organizer Jeff.  It’s going to be big- Route 107 will be blocked off through the whole town, for an EV parade, a car show in the nearby school lot, demo drives, plus the usual fair stuff like rides, booths, and a petting zoo.  EVs registered so far include Teslas, a BMW, a Zero motorcycle, and possibly even the new Mercedes and Mitsubishi.  Even Echo electric lawn equipment will be there.  The parade will start at 10, be there before if you want in.  The Baltimore Drive Electric event is also Saturday, if Poolesville’s a bit far for you.

Then we have Drive Electric events this Sunday, in Annapolis and downtown DC.  The Annapolis show, at the City Dock, is being wrangled by Paul; Elvia also gave us info.  The showing officially starts at 11, but people will be there 9-10 to stake out spaces.  There will be a BMW i3, Mercedes, and a Think City, plus at least 13 others; does anyone have a Ford C-Max plug-in to round out the representation?  Baltimore Gas & Electric will send someone, and we hear the Department of Energy too; the Maryland Energy Administration only has a flyer for us.  Similarly, the DC event on the Mall (3rd Street) now spills over onto both sides of the street.  Come on down, 10 am to 4. Continue reading →

Mini Maker Faire, Silver Spring

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Great outing, great weather, great crowd.  We showed several EVs at the packed Mini Maker Faire this Sunday, at the Silver Spring Civic Center.  Attendees were tech-savvy, or at least tech-curious, and very eager to see the latest advances.11502d

Amber and Jeff from Riide even gave an e-bike presentation, inside the Civic Center on their stage.504d

Let’s hope our streak continues through National Drive Electric Week– EVents all around the metro area (multiple Virginia and Maryland locations) and around the country, leading up to the EVADC one on the Mall next Sunday the 21st.

September EVents…

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And a fun Labor Day Parade was had by all, September 1.  The Greenbelt outing had two Volts, a Plug-In Prius, a Leaf, a Ford C-Max Energi, and an e-bike, plus wind power representatives.

709dDon’t forget, we’ve also got the Mini Maker Faire in Silver Spring this Sunday, followed by the Monthly Meeting Wednesday Sep. 17, and then The Big One- our multiple Drive Electric Week events around the Metro area.  See you there! Continue reading →