Two diametrically-opposed stories for this post: Beacon Power [NASDAQ: BCON] and RailPower Tech [TSE:P]. The latter is up 134% on its week-ago closing price, while the former is down nearly 22% over the same period.

Beacon Power Corp

I wrote about Beacon Power a little while ago. The recent drop in share price is due in large part to the fact that Beacon announced, last Friday (Dec. 29), a glitch at one of its testing facilities in Massachusetts. This was followed by an analyst at Merriman Curhan Ford downgrading the company from Buy to Hold. Almost immediately, the stock began experiencing strong downward momentum on high volumes. 2.44 million shares changed hands today – compare that to a 3-month average of around 426,000.

I poked around but was unable to find much substantive info that would allow me to properly appraise the problem. Maybe some of you have info that you could share with the rest of us?

So far, Beacon’s tests in California and NY have gone well. As I told a reader who asked about this earlier, I think it is a tad early to panic and I haven’t dumped any of my stocks yet. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t buy any until I know more about the exact impact this problem will have on the company’s plans to begin generating revenue from its flywheel-based grid regulation system. Beacon hopes to begin offering its grid regulation services on a commercial basis in the 2nd half of ’07.

The company’s technology appears to have been well received by California's regulators, and, as I mentioned in my last post about them, this could be a 5-year affair saddled with volatility. Overall, however, I still buy their story, and I think the increasingly rapid deployment of renewable energy in California and other US states will create strong demand for Beacon’s applications. Anyone who's experienced rolling blackouts or brownouts in the past few years knows that grid regulation will be a big deal going forward.

RailPower Tech

The RailPower story is, as indicated initially, completely different. RailPower makes diesel-powered hybrid locomotives that are overall markedly more efficient and less polluting than conventional locomotives.

This is a stock that had been trading consistently above $4 on the TSE since the 2nd half of 2004. 2006 was nothing short of a misery year for RailPower; it went from a 52-week high of $6.67 to a low of $0.45 a few weeks ago. The stock began slowly rebounding in mid-December after the company announced it had managed to get out of a money-loosing contract that would have cost it around $17 million (C$20 million).

The real action began, however, on Dec. 27, when the stock closed 17% higher than its day-before closing price, and volumes reached 1.4 million shares. Volumes have averaged 4 million shares since Dec. 27, compared with a 3-month average of around 1 million. As mentioned in the intro, the stock gained 134% between Dec. 27 and today. I should mention that RailPower was actually down 5.75% today, probably on profit taking.

Other than the contract cancellation, I couldn’t find anything else that would account for this very sudden return to favor of RailPower. This is a company which I have been watching from afar for about a year, without ever really looking into it seriously. There was nothing about RailPower that made it stand out from the cleantech crowd, as far as I could tell; it has a really cool technology but is having a hard time turning it into strong sales and operating cash flows. I suspect, however, that it may only be a matter of time. If any of our readers have good insight about this company, it would be interesting to hear it.

(DISCLOSURE: I am long Beacon Power)

Posted by Charles Morand at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced that it has received an order from the Denver Regional Transportation District ("Denver RTD") for UQM® generators and motor controllers to retrofit an additional ten hybrid electric mall shuttle buses. Each 45 foot hybrid electric mall shuttle bus will be retrofitted with a 35 kW UQM® generator and two UQM® power electronic motor controllers to control the operation of the electric propulsion motors currently installed in each bus. Last summer the Company received an order for seven systems that were delivered during the last eight months. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 07:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Altair Nanomaterials (ALTI) announced it has completed a safety testing cycle for lithium ion battery products that represents a significant step forward in the effort to develop lithium ion batteries that are safe enough to be used in electric-powered automobiles.

Although lithium ion batteries are the predominant power source for cell phones, laptop computers and many other small electronic devices, safety concerns related to the potential for explosion, typically caused by charging malfunctions or extremes of temperature, have so far proved to be a vexing obstacle to using lithium ion batteries to power electric and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

In order to address these safety concerns and, by doing so, help to speed the deployment of powerful, efficient electric vehicles (EVs) and HEVs for mass usage, Altairnano has invented and developed a nano-structured negative electrode material called nano Lithium Titanium Oxide, or nLTO, that replaces the graphite used in "standard" lithium ion batteries with safe, nanomaterials. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Energy Conversion Devices Inc (ENER) has now started fleet testing at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) in Diamond Bar, California.

A project of Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC, a subsidiary of ECD Ovonics, the advanced vehicle is a high-profile test bed designed to prove that hydrogen hybrids can be practical in daily life. The high-tech vehicle also serves to showcase Ovonic® solid metal hydrogen storage technology. Based on a production gasoline-electric hybrid model, it is part of a five year, $7 million multi-vehicle hydrogen hybrid demonstration at AQMD. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SatCon Technology Corporation (SATC) announced that it has been awarded a Phase I SBIR contract with the U. S. Army to develop an Integrated Starter/Generator (ISG) for hybrid powertrain military vehicles.

SatCon's Applied Technology division is currently developing DC/DC converters (pulse power and battery chargers), starter generators, auxiliary power units, and main generators for hybrid electric vehicles for U. S. Army advanced technology vehicles. This award expands SatCon's portfolio of vehicle power technologies with the development of an integrated starter/generator based on advanced permanent magnet machinery design concepts. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc (QTWW) announced the delivery of five hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to the City of Santa Ana, California. This is part of a larger South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) program to develop and demonstrate 30 hydrogen hybrid vehicles to fleets in Southern California. The formal delivery took place during a ceremony held today at the City of Santa Ana's vehicle fleet yard.

In March 2004, the AQMD awarded Quantum a contract to engineer a state-of-the-art OEM caliber hydrogen fuel system, perform accelerated long-term durability testing, including crash testing. The complete hydrogen internal combustion engine fuel system, including both the injection system and hydrogen storage system, was developed by Quantum at its Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, CA. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cobasys announced today that they will provide their advanced NiMHax® Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery systems for GM's 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line SUV which will be made available to consumers in the summer of 2006. [ more ]

Cobasys is a joint venture partnership between Energy Conversion Devices Inc (ENER) and Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation (CVX)

ENER gapped up this morning on this news and has been trading nicely for the last couple of months. However, it has run into upside resistance at the 52 week high. The stock is currently over-bought and I would be a buyer of this stock below $40.

Posted by Mark Anderson at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Enova Systems Inc (ENOV) announced that it has entered into a joint School Bus program with a major North American Truck Manufacturer. The School Bus project will feature Enova's post transmission 80 kW Hybrid Drive System and has the potential to lead to future production in 2006 and beyond. [ more ]

They have also recently announced a partnership with First Auto Works (FAW) of China to supply their 80kW Parallel Hybrid Drive system for "Hybrid City Bus."

FAW is the largest automobile manufacturer in China and with its expertise in not only buses, but also automobiles and trucks, allows Enova a major opportunity to capture additional market share for both light and heavy-duty vehicles throughout China and other parts of Asia. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

BMW is unveiling its turbosteamer hybrid engine, which uses the excess heat in the exhaust system and reclaims 80% of it by powering a steam engine that assists the gas engine. Overall, this gives a 15% more efficient engine; and significant additional performance (power and torque) with practically no downside. [ more ] (via /.)

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (HYBT) has inked a deal with Frito Lay to provide Hybrid Technologies' Lithium vehicles as part of their fleet sales program.

Frito Lay has agreed to purchase and take delivery of the Lithium Mini Cooper model as well as the Daimler Chrysler Smart Car Lithium version. The first deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2006. These vehicles will be part of Frito Lay's Hybrid fleet and the corporation's commitment to "green philosophy" as well as its well known philosophy of working with the latest in American technology. [ more ]

You would have thought that Frito Lay would have gone for a Bio-Diesel solution :-)

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Motley Fool finally had something good to say about an alternative energy stock. It just so happens to be for one I purchased earlier this morning.

Don't look now, but Energy Conversion Devices might just prove to be that rare bird -- an alternative energy play with actual products and a reasonable chance of living up to lofty investor expectations.

... It would appear to me that hybrid vehicle batteries are the biggest near-term opportunity. Although the company didn't specify the customers, it has acknowledged receiving production orders for battery packs. [ more ]

They say that timing is everything. I just wish everything I touched worked out this well. Look at the daily chart for today's trading in ENER. Now that I'm in, hopefully its nothing but up from here (knocking on wood.)

Posted by Mark Anderson at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Energy Conversion Devices Inc (ENER) opened up trading this morning with a gap down to the $33 level. For the last hour it has been steadily rising up from this point.

As I said in my earlier post, I have been looking for a good entry point in this company and feel that the near term support of $33 is an ideal area to place an order. The stock has been on a run for several months and it is always hard to take a new position in a stock that has already seen dramatic increases in a stock price. When this happens I have learned to look for short term pullbacks, or a retest of support lines to start new positions.

The fear (and potential downside) is that the support will not hold and you could be looking at a very big loss. This is where you need to look back at the fundamentals of the company. There is alot of good news about the future of this company, and the most recent earnings announcement points to several optimistic opportunities to look forward to.

"...Cobasys' success in winning purchase orders for its proprietary NiMH battery system solutions for the automotive markets is another big plus for our business," continued Stempel. "Cobasys' ongoing work in hybrid vehicle prototype development will hopefully lead to more opportunities down the road."

"ECD Ovonics is well positioned to capitalize upon the current government and consumer focus on new sources of energy," Stempel said. "We're extremely pleased with the pace of production and shipments at United Solar Ovonic. In the fourth quarter, we manufactured a record level 5.7MW of products with a sales value of $18 million and we're now running essentially at our rated production capacity of 25MW." [ more ]

I purchased shares this morning in both the mutual fund and my personal portfolio at an average price of $34.75.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a registered investment advisor. The information and trades that I provide here are for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to buy or sell any of these securities. Investing involves substantial risk and you should evaluate your own risk levels before you make any investment. Past results are not an indication of future performance. Please take the time to read the full disclaimer here.

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toyota said it's aiming to increase hybrid production by 60 percent in 2006 and will cut costs and prices to make them more affordable.

"In the future, the cars you see from Toyota will be 100 percent hybrid,'' Toyota Executive Vice President Kazuo Okamoto said in Frankfurt, declining to give a time for achieving the target. "We believe that in 10 years the world will be filled with hybrids.'' [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Energy Conversion Devices Inc (ENER) announced quarterly results on Monday. They beat Wall Street expecations with a less than expected loss, but did not meet sales estimates. They posted a loss of $6.9 million, or 23 cents per share, for the three months ended June 30, compared with a year-ago loss of $11.5 million, or 44 cents per share. The company's loss from continuing operations was 22 cents per share. Wall Street estimates on the loss were 26 cents a share.

The stock is currently trading down over 4% in pre-market trading. I have been looking for a good entry point on this stock and will see how trading continues throughout the day.

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Green Car Congress has an excellent writeup about the recently announced Honda 2005 Civic Hybrid.

Compared to the 2005 Civic Hybrid, the 2006 model with the new IMA is 18% more powerful than its predecessor while delivering a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg US compared to 47–48 mpg US of the 2005 hybrid. The new IMA also adds the ability to cruise only under the power of the electric motor. [ more ]

Honda Motor Co (HMC) has been playing catchup with Toyota in the hybrid marketplace and they are looking strong with this new offering. Our family is planning on replacing one of our cars next year and we have been researching our various options. This new Civic is now at the top of our list.

[update] TreeHugger has more information about this new civic here [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SatCon Technology Corporation (SATC) announced that its first deliveries of its new line of hybrid electric auxiliary components have been incorporated into Azure Dynamics Corporation's (TSX: AZD, AIM: ADC) electric and hybrid electric vehicles ("HEVs"). [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (HYBT) and its subsidiaries - R-Electric Car Co., Global Hybrid Corp., Solium Power Corp., and WhistlerTel - emerging leaders in the development and marketing of Lithium-powered and VoIP products worldwide is pleased to announce that construction has begun on the Hybrid Living Home, an engineering and eco-space showcase developed by Hybrid Technologies. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toyota Motor will begin producing a hybrid version of its popular Camry mid-sized sedan at a plant in Kentucky in late 2006, the automaker said. The hybrid version of the Camry -- perennially among the top-selling US automobiles -- will be the Japanese automaker's fifth gasoline-electric vehicle. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SatCon Technology Corporation (SATC) announced that it has been awarded a contract with the U. S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to assist in the development of power conversion electronics and controls in two key technology areas. These are power control and conversion systems for hybrid electric vehicles and pulse energy applications such as active armor. The contract has a current value of $2.8 million through 2007. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) is testing a hybrid electric StarTrans Senator Series shuttle bus converted by Transportation Techniques, LLC ("TransTeq") and powered by a UQM® permanent magnet propulsion system and generator. The UQM® propulsion system has been integrated into the driveline on a Ford E450 chassis manufactured by the Tier one automotive supplier to enhance the vehicle's power delivery, performance and fuel efficiency. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hybrid Technologies Inc. (HYBT) is proud to announce that the historic CHP memorial chopper powered by the Hybrid Technologies Lithium system will be presented to media and the public in a ceremonial CHP ride across California. The initial press conference will be held in Los Angeles, California and is part of a CHP and CAHP weeklong event surrounding graduation and memorial services for the legendary California Highway Patrol. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced today that it has received an order for two UQM® generators that will provide generated power for two additional "Spinner" hybrid electric unmanned ground combat vehicles being built by a team led by the National Robotics Engineering Consortium, a unit of Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. The UQM® generators will be integrated with a small diesel engine to generate the power required by the two additional unmanned ground combat vehicles (UGCV's) which are propelled by high torque wheel-mounted UQM® propulsion motors. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced today that dealer purchase orders for its Smart Car high-gas-mileage vehicles has increased to more than $200 million as American demand for the unique microcar has spread. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider made the announcement.

On March 9, ZAP announced that it had crossed the $100 million purchase order milestone for the Smartcar Americanized by ZAP from U.S. auto dealers. Demand for the highly efficient gas-powered car has accelerated as rising gas prices continue to fuel consumer interest in next-generation automobiles, according to Mr. Schneider. Oil prices recently climbed to more than $50 per barrel, rising last week to a new high of $55 per barrel. Gasoline prices at the pump now top $2.00 per gallon in much of the country, while observers suggest that prices may reach $3.00 per gallon by summertime. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced today that it has delivered to Deere & Company (NYSE: DE - News) a John Deere hybrid electric concept vehicle incorporating both of the latest advancements to UQM(R) propulsion system technology, 10 to 1 constant power speed ratio and full wave commutation technology.

Constant power speed ratio (CPSR) is the ratio between the top speed of a motor and its base speed. Across this speed range, a motor is able to deliver maximum power. The Company's permanent magnet electric propulsion systems achieve a 10 to 1 CPSR. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced that it has received a contract from the U.S. Army's Tank -- Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to develop an advanced vehicle propulsion motor for application as a wheel mounted electric propulsion system for hybrid electric combat vehicles being developed under the Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. The one year development effort will focus on the validation of a proprietary new design for a permanent magnet electric motor that has the potential to triple the torque capability compared to existing UQM(R) propulsion motors. Army funding for the cost-share project is $242,548 or 77 percent of the total effort. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ENER1 INC (ENEI) has established and equipped a pilot nanotechnology-based manufacturing facility to fabricate electrodes for high discharge rate, lithium-ion batteries. The company's battery subsidiary, EnerDel, Inc., in which Delphi Corporation holds a 19.5% interest, is in discussions with automotive OEMs regarding evaluation of samples for use in hybrid electric vehicles where the high discharge rate characteristic is viewed as key to performance and cost. EnerDel also plans to explore applications of this technology in other markets. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced today that it has received an order from Delphi Corporation (DPH) for UQM(R) motors and motor controllers to drive an electric air conditioning compressor for a hybrid electric vehicle.

"We are pleased that Delphi has selected UQM(R) hardware for their electric air conditioning program. The electrification of under-the-hood auxiliaries, such as air conditioning, provides efficiency, packaging and performance advantages over conventional belt-driven systems, which can contribute to improved fuel economy in an automobile. Our proprietary motors are ideally-suited for these applications, which we believe represent a significant opportunity for our company in both conventional and hybrid electric vehicles," said William G. Rankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UQM Technologies, Inc. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc (QTWW) will provide the engineering effort to accommodate the model year changes for the fuel system. Quantum will also produce the alternative fuel systems and provide the specialty vehicle assembly of the fuel systems into the new trucks. In addition to integrating roughly 250 components into the vehicle, Quantum was also responsible for the powertrain and systems engineering to ensure that the system is optimized for performance, durability, safety and emission compliance over the life of the vehicle. Quantum's engineering effort extends to the vehicles being validated through a wide range of operating extremes including hot weather, cold weather, high altitude and crash testing prior to going into production.
[ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced that two low-floor, hybrid electric transit buses manufactured by Hybrid Bus Technologies, LLC, Denver, Colorado, that are fueled by clean burning natural gas, have been delivered to Los Angeles International Airport ("LAX") and will be placed in service to transport passengers within the airport. The hybrid electric transit buses are each powered by two 100kW UQM® propulsion systems and a 100kW UQM® generator. The hybrid electric transit buses are an updated design of the 45-foot, low floor bus that has been transporting 63,500 passengers daily across the 1.3-mile long 16th Street pedestrian mall in Denver since 2000. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell powered pickup as well as a new lithium battery technology at the Consumer Electronics Show. ZAP is forming a new division of the Company to focus on advanced energy technologies alongside its efforts to market advanced transportation.

ZAP's fuel cell technology partner, Anuvu Incorporated, converted the Nissan Frontier 4-door pick-up truck on display at CES. An innovative hybrid fuel cell system powers the vehicle on hydrogen and electricity. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced it has received a second 100-unit wholesale purchase order for the SMART Car, bringing the total in wholesale fleet orders in hand to $4.98 million.

ZAP is in discussion with a number of government and corporate fleets as well as automotive wholesale dealers for purchase orders of 100 or more cars by December 31, 2004. ZAP unveiled the SMART Car to U.S. consumers in November at the San Francisco International Auto Show, announcing that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Letter of Conformity. This regulatory approval clears the way for ZAP to begin organizing U.S. marketing and distribution for the SMART Car. ZAP has an exclusive distribution contract with SMART-Automobile LLC for the rights to sell the cars in the United States with a near-term goal of 150 dealer outlets by second quarter of fiscal year 2005. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced today that, based on interest generated at the San Francisco International Auto Show last week, it has received a 100-unit block purchase order from a U.S. automotive dealer.

ZAP will not announce the name of the dealer until the cars are ready to be sold to the general public, but is in discussion with a number of government and corporate fleets as well as automotive wholesale dealers for purchase orders of 100 or more cars, up to 15,000, by December 31, 2004 due to U.S. small manufacturers limitations. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) annouces that after five years on the market in Europe, the 60-MPG SMART car was granted a certificate of conformity by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, clearing the way for U.S. sales. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Arotech Corporation (ARTX) announced today that a test drive conducted with its all-electric hybrid bus using commercially available zinc demonstrated performance similar to that achieved with the proprietary dendritic zinc used to date. Corroborating lab results, the bus achieved a range of 133 miles on a simulated city-cycle drive, similar to the range achieved a year ago in a similar test with the proprietary zinc. The system's efficiency has been improved as well. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hyundai-Enova Innovative Technology Center, Inc., (HE-ITC) a joint venture between Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd of South Korea and Enova Systems, Inc. (ENVA), announced today that it has completed development of a 60 kW GenSet for Heavy-Duty Series Hybrid Vehicles in conjunction with Enova Systems. The 60 kW GenSet is an integral component of Enova's HybridPower Series Hybrid, recently introduced at the Electric Drive Transportation Association's annual symposium in Orlando Florida. This leading-edge hybrid technology is the HE-ITC's first commercial product to be developed and produced by the joint research and development alliance between the two companies. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 07:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicles began delivering packages on routes in the New York metropolitan area following an agreement with NYSERDA to demonstrate the viability of lower-emission hybrid powertrains in heavy-duty vehicles. The roll out took place today at a FedEx facility on 48th Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan.

"New York City is a dynamic economy with many trucks on its streets essential to keep commerce moving, so it is important that we continue to develop innovative solutions to reduce vehicle emissions," said John Formisano, Vice President of Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "Today's roll-out not only represents one-half of FedEx's total commitment for these vehicles this year, but is also a positive step in our commitment to effective environmental management as a global corporate priority and in the local communities we serve." [ more ]

Also at GreenCarCongress.com

Posted by Mark Anderson at 04:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The state will add ten Ford Escape hybrids to its fleet as part of a plan to cut fuel costs and make the state's vehicles more environmentally sound, officials said at a press conference Tuesday. The hybrid S.U.V.'s run on gas-electric engines and get 33 miles per gallon, and burn 50 cleaner than internal combustion engines. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Energy Conversion Devices Inc (ENER) founded by the now-82-year-old Mr. Ovshinsky in 1960, developed the battery technology that is being used in Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius -- the popular "hybrid" car model that has given U.S. automobile titans Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. a run for their money. And the Rochester Hills, Mich., company -- though it still is unprofitable, making iit a risky bet -- is drawing backing from serious investors who see a hot market for its products. [ more ]

This story hit the news wires and the Wall Street Journal late last night. ENER is trading up over 10% today.

Posted by Mark Anderson at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced that it has taken an equity position in Zibo Enterprises Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of advanced battery technology in The People's Republic of China.

Steve Schneider, Chief Executive Officer for ZAP, says that the announcement is the next step in the Company's business plans to establish a ZAP Energy Division. Schneider says the synergy between advanced automotive and energy technology has prompted ZAP to expand and departmentalize to focus on these respective markets. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Honda Motor Co (HMC) expects the introduction of its new gas-electric version of the Accord to boost its U.S. sales of hybrid vehicles to more than 45,000 next year.

Honda officials said Thursday they expect to sell 20,000 hybrid versions of the Accord sedan, in addition to the Honda Insight and Civic hybrid compacts. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced today that its newest model received a casting-call while ABC's Emmy-nominated show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was in the neighborhood.

The episode in which Extreme Makeover requested the ZAPPY3 is scheduled to air on Sunday, October 10th at 8 p.m. Pacific Time on ABC. The cast and crew heard about ZAP's new 3-wheeled electric scooter while filming an episode near Santa Rosa where ZAP is Headquartered and requested a couple of scooters for the shoot. ZAP says that the production crew along with host Ty Pennington found the silent-running scooter useful for their location work. Also, the subjects of this latest episode, the Pope Family, enjoyed playing around on the high performance scooter as they watched the transformation of their home. Equipped with a handy basket for running items back and forth during the shoot, the production crew of Extreme Makeover said their collapsible ZAPPY3's would get a workout on other remodels during the season. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's top automaker, said Thursday it will double the allocation of Prius hybrid cars for the U.S. market in 2005, part of a companywide goal to sell 300,000 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles worldwide by the end of next year.

Toyota said the announcement coincides with the sale of its 100,000th Prius in the United States, where they went on sale in the summer of 2000. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

TheStreet.com has a good write up about the new potential growth opportunities that are available in the Alternative Energy marketplace.

"With oil recently passing the $50 mark -- and expected to stay high -- some investors feel freshly tempted by alternative energy stocks. They view fuel cells and sunshine and windmills as ultimate replacements for diminishing supplies of fossil fuels. Thus, they tend to look past the alternative fuel industry's current losses and focus on future possibilities instead." [ more ]

The following companies are mentioned in this article:
Ballard Power (BLDP)
FPL Group Inc (FPL)
Fuelcell Energy Inc (FCEL)
Plug Power Inc (PLUG)

Posted by Mark Anderson at 06:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tens of thousands of taxpayers have purchased hybrid electric vehicles this year, and the thousands more who plan to buy these gas-saving, environmentally-friendly vehicles in coming year will receive a bigger tax incentive than expected for their socially-responsible purchases, thanks to yesterday's action by the U.S. Congress on the middle class tax cut bill. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Enova Systems Inc (ENVA) announced today the immediate availability of its newest series hybrid drive systems for heavy-duty, urban transit and delivery vehicles. These leading edge, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly hybrid systems are applicable for Class 5 through Class 7 trucks as well as mid-sized to large urban transit buses.

Enova introduced its new "Hybrid Power" series hybrid drive systems this week at the Electric Drive Transportation Association's annual trade show and symposium in Orlando, Florida and showcased a Class 8 truck equipped with this innovative new system in the ride and drive exhibit. Ideally suited for heavy duty urban delivery and urban transit applications, these systems include a high torque electric drive system, all electric accessories, energy management, energy storage, and power generation. The Company's new hybrid systems can also be configured to generate alternating current electricity for other applications such as plug-in power tools. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced that the California state's Air Resources Board has certified its ZAP WORLDCAR(TM) as a "Zero-Emission Vehicle."

The Air Resources Board has certified the 2005 Model Year ZAP WORLDCAR (NEV) and the ZAP WORLDCAR (Utility EV). The certification allows ZAP vehicles to be licensed and sold in the State of California. The certification also gives the purchaser access to incentives created for drivers of Zero-Emission vehicles. Drivers can qualify for a special Zero-Emission Vehicle parking decals that allow them to park and refuel at designated recharging parking spaces, as well as preferred locations at airports, shopping malls, mass transit hubs and more. The vehicles now qualify for grants for public agencies to purchase them and there is a 10 percent federal tax credit for consumer purchases. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The CS Monitor has a good article about the investment potential of Alternative Energy stocks.

"You can't ride off into the sunset with a hydrogen-powered SUV - or to a middle-class solar home. But as the decades-long transition away from oil begins to take shape, some ethical investors sense a bonanza. " [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Honda Motor Co (HMC) will debut the all-new Accord Hybrid, the world's first V-6-powered hybrid vehicle and Honda's third hybrid model, at dealerships nationwide on December 3, 2004. The all-new Accord Hybrid utilizes the third-generation of Honda's advanced Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) full hybrid system in combination with new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology to deliver the world's best V-6 fuel efficiency - on par with a 4-cylinder, compact class Civic - along with highly responsive and powerful V-6 performance. With the introduction of the Accord Hybrid, Honda now becomes the first company in the world to offer three distinct hybrid models including the world's first V-6 hybrid. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) will start building its Prius hybrid sedans in China next year with FAW Group in a step it hopes will promote the vehicles as the global standard for fuel-efficient cars.

The move could also help China as it looks for alternative energy sources and tries to keep pollution in check while demand for cars continues to surge. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Investing in a portfolio of companies involved in alternative energies such as wind, solar, and hydrogen fuel cells has been challenging, but it is now getting easier. Last month saw the launch of the WilderHill Clean Energy Index (ECO), a benchmark comprised of publicly traded companies involved in alternative energies that is published by the American Stock Exchange. [ more ]

A listing of the index components for this ETF can be found at the AMEX website. This is great news and also a great way to invest in Alternative Energy Companies. I feel that ETF's are much more cost efficient and easier to use than mutual funds. This ETF is scheduled to launch in October and I will post the ETF ticker symbol when it starts trading.

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

ZAP (ZAPZ) unveiled today ZAP® Portable Energy(TM), a new rechargeable lithium-ion battery and power storage technology for low-voltage electronics like cell phones, handheld computers and more.

"The battery technology to power electric cars is here and ZAP Portable Energy is proof that the technology is maturing at a rapid rate," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "This mobile power source is a breakthrough product that can serve the needs of more than 80 percent of the handheld electronics market. This and other battery advances in mobile electronics are creating the economies of scale necessary to commercialize advanced electric car batteries." [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lexus announced today that its dealers have received more than 9,000 pre-sold orders for the 2006 RX 400h luxury gas-electric hybrid SUV through August month-end. The RX 400h provides a powerful new performance dimension to the traditional hybrid advantages of high mileage and low emissions. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Experts generally agree that our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable. Already oil is near $50 per barrel, and the great millions of Chinese and Indians destined to take to the road in the next decades have not yet gotten behind the wheel."

This week Newsweek has written several special reports about alternative energy in all its forms. All of these reports can be found at the following link. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While Korea is on red-alert to rising oil prices, Hyundai Motor Co., the nation's largest carmaker, is stepping up efforts to develop fuel-efficient cars that run on a combination of gasoline and electricity.

Company officials said the introduction of hybrid cars should come around 2007 or possibly earlier. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 05:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ENER1 INC (ENEI) and Delphi Corp. (DPH), today entered into a non-binding letter of intent to create a joint venture to leverage their combined expertise in lithium batteries. Delphi and Ener1 will be negotiating definitive agreements and conducting due diligence in the coming weeks.

"The combination of Ener1's vapor deposition process and its nanotechnology for production of high-rate, low-cost lithium batteries with Delphi-developed high energy capacity technology would allow the venture to have a key advantage in penetrating its target lithium battery markets," — Kevin Fitzgerald, Ener1's CEO. [ more ]

ENEI is up over 14% on this news today. This type of agreement is typically a precursor step to an eventual acquisition.

Posted by Mark Anderson at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unique Mobility Inc (UQM) announced today that it has received a $599,000 contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to develop a hybrid electric propulsion system to power small unmanned ground combat vehicles with vehicle weights of 500 pounds to one ton. The propulsion system to be developed includes a 10 kW propulsion motor, an in-line planetary gear set and a dual motor controller with an integrated 60-hertz inverter, which will operate when the vehicle is stationary. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Honda Motor Co (HMC) said it has built scooters powered by fuel cells and gasoline-electric engines, extending the technology for the first time to two-wheeled vehicles.

The automaker developed a scooter with a fuel cell-power plant the size of a normal 125 cubic centimeter gasoline engine as well as a so-called hybrid two-wheeler with a 50cc engine, Honda President Takeo Fukui told reporters at the company's research center in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) may sell gasoline-electric cars and trucks to U.S. consumers as early as 2006, adding another fuel-efficient option to its main strategy of diesel-powered vehicles.

Chrysler, the maker of Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brand cars and trucks, is studying whether to add gasoline-electric hybrid versions of some of its vehicles, according to Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche. He didn't say which models. Chrysler already plans to sell 100 diesel-electric Dodge Ram pickup trucks to fleet customers later this year. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ford Motor Co (F) may run into production problems as they start making gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. Ford VP of product development states they are turing to foreign suppliers for access to key hybrid components. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Oregon continues rewarding people who buy hybrid cars. The state Department of Energy has announced that the 2005 Ford Escape will qualify for tax credits. Tax credits already apply to the 2004 Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Honda Insight, and state DOE officials expect that the 2005 models of those cars will also qualify. [ more ]

I wanted to point out one key paragraph from the article above. Demand for Hybrid automobiles is soaring.

In 2003, 509 people took advantage of the tax credit, said Justin Klure, a policy analyst with the Department of Energy. So far this year, 400 people have applied for the credits, he said. He doesn't expect that number to grow much in the next few months because current buyers are finding at least a six-month waiting period when they go in to buy a hybrid. (Ed.—emphasis added.)

Posted by Mark Anderson at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toyota Motor Corp (TM) are developing a hybrid drivetrain system that can be used for gasoline, diesel, natural gas and fuel-cells. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Energy Conversion Devices Inc (ENER) and ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures LLC, is demonstrating the use of its metal-hydride hydrogen storage system in a modified hydrogen-electric variant of today's best-selling hybrid sedan.

The modified hydrogen hybrid will be available for test drives at the South Coast Air Quality Management District's "Hydrogen - Fueling the Clean Air Future" conference today and tomorrow, August 16 and 17, at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, Calif. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 03:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Arotech Corporation (ARTX) announced today that its Electric Vehicle unit has developed technology that will allow its zinc-air batteries to use commercially available zinc, eliminating the need for the special dendritic zinc used to date. Arotech's technological breakthrough for utilizing readily available zinc will boost commercialization plans for the zinc-air hybrid bus, which until now required heavy investments in zinc producing infrastructure. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Enova Systems Inc (ENVA)announced today that it has entered into a development and sales agreement with China's First Auto Works (FAW) for parallel hybrid drive systems for their hybrid buses. FAW signed a two-phase development agreement with Enova for hybrid-electric motors and power controllers for its newest hybrid buses.

Enova is working with both FAW and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) of Texas to integrate and validate the new Enova parallel hybrid drive system for these buses. [ more ]

Posted by Mark Anderson at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)