[Shadow_Group] Electric Auto Association Funds CalCars' PRIUS+ Plug-in Hybrid

[shadowgroup-l at lists.resist.ca]

Here's the text of the announcement (also available at http://www.eaaev.org/

December 15, 2004
EAA Funds CalCars' PRIUS+ Plug-In Hybrid Project

The Electric Auto Association has voted to support the California Cars 
Initiative (CalCars), contributing funds and urging its members to join the 
effort to make "plug-in hybrid electric vehicles" (PHEVs) available to 
drivers worldwide.

The EAA declared its financial support in the form of a multi-phase 
research and development grant to CalCars' unique PRIUS+ project. "Our 
first installment represents a substantial and unprecedented expenditure 
for our group," said EAA Treasurer Gabrielle Adelman. CalCars' PRIUS+ 
project converts '04-05 Priuses into PHEVs, doubling the Prius' 50 mpg 
performance. "The goal is to demonstrate the technology and encourage 
automakers to build PHEVs. The first PRIUS+ prototype is now being tested 
in the San Francisco Bay Area," said Felix Kramer, CalCars Founder.

Ron Freund, EAA Chairman, explained why the EAA departed from its usual 
focus on electric-only vehicles (EVs). "PHEVs are inspired. They're a 
cost-effective way to combine existing technologies bringing the benefits 
of battery electric technology to market. Adding bigger batteries to 
conventional hybrid cars gives drivers the opportunity to do most of their 
everyday driving electrically - with zero pollution. Drivers benefit from 
the option to recharge every night and start every day 'topped off'. And if 
it's not convenient to plug in, the hybrid's gasoline engine can take 
charge and act like a conventional hybrid - propelling the car and 
recharging the batteries. Finally, mass production of PHEVs will reduce the 
cost of batteries and other EV components, paving the way to bring pure EVs 
back into the marketplace," said Freund.

"EAA members have been key participants in meetings, online discussions and 
garage-level engineering, design, and construction of the first PRIUS+ 
prototype. At EAA EVents all over North America, we always get queries from 
the public asking about when and how they can purchase an EV or PHEV. So we 
wanted to step forward to publicly and financially support this excellent 
project. Others, who are in a position to do so, should look into this 
project and consider a tax-deductible personal contribution to help speed 
progress", said Kim Rogers, EAA Education Program Manager.

Details of the project can be found at www.priusplus.org, which includes 
pointers to the "open source"-style online group where the latest technical 
developments are discussed. Currently, DaimlerChrysler's Sprinter 
commercial van is the only PHEV under development by a major automaker, but 
a number of PHEVs have been built at universities and by small companies.

About the EAA
Founded in 1967, the EAA is a non-profit organization of volunteers 
dedicated to the promotion of electric-drive technology and to the support 
of owners of electric vehicles.  Its worldwide membership is a source of 
knowledge and expertise about electric-drive technology.  The EAA seeks to 
educate the public about the progress and benefits of electric-drive 
technology by organizing and participating in forums, meetings, and public 
events. The EAA also offers technical information and support to people who 
wish to convert gasoline-powered vehicles to electric power. In recent 
years, the EAA has established funds to maintain public EV charger 
stations.  More information about the EAA is available at www.eaaev.org .

About CalCars
Founded in 2002, CalCars is a non-profit advocacy/technology development 
group. CalCars is comprised of volunteer entrepreneurs, environmentalists, 
engineers and others working together to spur adoption of efficient, 
non-polluting automotive technologies. CalCars promotes PHEVs for energy 
independence and reduced greenhouse gases. More information about CalCars 
is available at www.calcars.org 

Contact Info:
Ron Freund, EAA Chairman, chairman at eaaev.org 
CalCars/PRIUS+ www.calcars.org, www.priusplus.org 
Felix Kramer, fkramer at calcars.org 




--  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  -- --
       Felix Kramer  fkramer at calcars.org
      Founder  California Cars Initiative
             http://www.calcars.org
    Moderator   PRIUS+ PHEV Conversion Group
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/priusplus/
       PO Box 61222  Palo Alto, CA 94306





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