PHEV Day 63 - Run to Alain St Yves` for the `Spirit of DC`` to Meet `` VehiculEVert``

Cheers PHEV`rs, EVADC`rs, and PHEVnthusiasts, One & All -

After departing Montreal, Quebec, the ``Spirit of DC`` had EVJerry on Trans Canadian Hwy 20 en route to Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa Member, Alain St Yves, in Salaberry de Valleyfield, some 70 Km (or 40+miles) West of Ile de Montreal.

Alain was waiting in ``ambuscade`` for the ``Spirit.`` And he caught us just off of Exit 14 on TC Hwy 20. Now Alain was in his white EVChevrolet Cavalier with his own Range Extender on-board -- his EV being some years ahead of the GM Chevy Volt!

Take a look-see at Alain`s website below, and definitely read the article, 2 litres per 100 km, below in English (or if translated it would read something like 125 MPG) to ``VehiculEVert`` (Green Vehicle in French). VehiculEVert was Alain`s first EV - a green Chevy S-10 pick-up, converted in 1998, which is now used by Charles. Note: EVs are on the www.EVAlbum.com.

http://www.vehiculevert.org/index.php?lien=2-litres-en

Welcoming the ``Spirit`` were also Alain`s Family -- Guylaine - his Wife, Charles - his Son along with Girlfriend, Vanessa.

EVer,

``Spirit`` and Canada EVJerry

PS Again, read VehiculEVert`s story

2 litres per 100 km

Overview:

Perhaps you’ve passed my car on the highway and you’re curious to find out more? The banner“ Electric Vehicle” or the round fan under the rear bumper intrigued you? Want to know more ? Read on.. My car has an electric engine under the hood ! Yes, the gas engine and its reservoir have been removed. In the rear, a generator (gas powered) is in installed to provide additional range for the batteries …

Informations:

A plug-in hybrid While the hybrid vehicles on our roads require gas engines to function, my Chevrolet Cavaliers main source of energy is hydro electric power. When more range is required the gas generator can provide it.

Like more drivers, my daily commute averages 65km for a total of 20000km per year. The gas generator operates on the highway to provide additional power. In town or in heavy traffic only the batteries supply the power.

You can see my fuel consumption averages since 2004 in the tables follow.

Record consumption

Average gasoline consumption in 2004: 0 L/100km Annual record (pdf) Average gasoline consumption in 2005: 0,50L/100km Annual record (pdf) Average gasoline consumption in 2006: 2,51L/100km Annual record (pdf) Average gasoline consumption in 2007: 2,77L/100km Annaul record (pdf) Average gasoline consumption in 2008: 1,62L/100km Annual record (pdf)

Average consumption since 2004 (last update: 30-07-2008)

Total consumption of gasoline 754L Total distance 40187km Average consumption 1,88L/100km

In this modern age, plug in hybrids are still not available at car manufacturer dealerships, although the concept has existed for more than a hundred years.

Remember the 1994 CBC report on the Chrysler Intrepid with the electric wheel engine ? This concept, developed by the Couture Team from Hydro Québec is in my opinion the base concept for the car of the future. A high performance electric vehicle on wheel engine, getting power from batteries augmented by a generator fuelled by gasoline, hydrogen, biodiesel … M. Couture’s words in his December 1st 1994 press conference (published in Tome 2 of the book “Sur la route de l’électricité” by Pierre Langlois) ring true even today offering us a solution for our collective future.

Considering the international consensus on the need to act on Global Warming or Climate Change and considering that part of the solution is efficient energy consumption, we must push forward the development and use of these technologies.

The obstacles are not technological as M. Couture’s concept demonstrates, but rather political and financial. It is up to the people to demand action so our politicians enact legislation to facilitate the development and implementation of alternative propulsion technologies. Since we are not all mechanics and technicians, we cannot all build or modify our own “green” transportation. But the general awareness of the need to act give me hope.

Frequently asked questions:

How far can one travel on battery power?

It is quite conceivable to travel long distances on battery power alone. If all car could commute through Montreal on battery power, urban smog would be eliminated. The common belief is that electric cars will be viable when batteries are developed to offer ranges comparable to gas powered vehicles .This falsehood is unfortunately perpetuated by uninformed media and automotive journalists that know and drive gas powered vehicles.

As creator and builder and driver of my own electric vehicle for more than 10 years, I want you to understand that if I was give and electric car with a range of 500kms, I’d cut it up and make three cars of 150km range. Add a generator and again see their range extend to 500kms. It is preferable to have less battery power to save weight, cost and increase performance. The increased range as required would be supplied by a generator recharging the batteries or directly supplying the electric motor.

To demonstrate this point, I traveled in my Chevrolet Cavalier to the James Bay in 2003. I unveiled my consumption figures (gas and electrical) based on my actual consumption These figures reflect what should be expected by anyone driving this type of concept vehicle were it available.

Of course the results vary greatly depending on daily mileage.

Daily kilometers	Electrical consumption	Gasoline consumption
0 to 50 km	100%	0%
50 to 100 km	75%	25%
100 km and more	25% and less...	75% and more...

Alain St-Yves

PHEV Day 62 TBD

Google's video on Plug-Ins

"Spirit of DC" PHEV All Around America on Two FM Radio Stations

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, and EVnthusiasts, One & All,

This is a simple announcement with edits to be done accordingly ...

Yet, on Wednesday, 20 August 2008, two FM LP radio stations -- one in Carrboro, North Carolina, and the other in Bisbee, Arizona, carried the Plug-in Hybrid EV All Around America (PHEV3A) message. "Sustainable Jack" Martin along with his sidekick, Solar Jim gave an update on PHEV3A, after conversing with EVJerr. Ramzi at the Bisbee's own KBRP 96.1 interviewed EVJerry about the "Spirit" and plug-in technology as well as hypermiling.

EVer,

Bisbee EVJerry ... with re-bonding with the "Spirit" next Wednesday en route to Canada

Drew, Barb and the "Spirit of DC" Hang'in in New Hampshire

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs & EVnthusiasts, One & All ...

The Caretakers for the "Spirit of DC" are long time "Tour de Sol" friends Drew and Barb Gillett DeanEG@hotmail.com (603) 668-7336 - Home Sweet Bedford, New Hampshire. We've all even expanded the last few years into 21st Century Automotive Challenge www.EEVC.info. The reason for this is EVJerry's needing a "Dental Break." Yupe, one gold crown was deemed necessary for a chipped molar, which occurred way back on 3 July ... just before the "Spirit" along with Eric Lamison-White and EVJerry boarded the Amtrak Auto Train. So EVJerry's in Arizona, getting that dental work done as well as bonding with Donna (but that's another "On the Road" saga to share later).

Below you have Drew taking one pix of his Commander-in-Chief Sweetie, Barb, at a VIP Battery story, where Drew was re-cycling batteries. NOOOOooooo! Not the "Spirit's!!" Drew, Barb and the "Spirit" are hang'in n' around Manchester, NH ... while on my "Dental Break" in AZ, hopefully wrapping up on Monday, 25 August 2008.

Drew will be forthcoming with more reporting! And, perhaps edited by EVJerry.

Joe Lado graciously posted the pix below, while EVJerry endeavors to get on top of emails ... now that credit card bills are out of the way ... .

Adieu, Adios, & Aloha from Arizona

Bisbee EVJerr


Barb Gillett a la Vanessa White shows
the batteries being recycled at the VIP
Store in Manchester, NH.
Cell Phone Pix by Drew Gillett.

PHEV Day 61 - "Spirit of DC" Hanging Out in New Hamsphire with Drew & Barb Gillett ... While EVJerry Takes Care of Dental Work ...

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC's, and EVnthusiasts -

Special Notice ... with more details forthcoming.

However, a quick brief: The "Spirit of DC" will be bonding for the next two weeks with Drew & Barb Gillett, out of Bedford, NH. EVJerry is now in Bisbee, AZ and getting set up for crown dental work on a chipped molar; he's due back 26 August, hopefully after successful dental work is done.

EVJerry can be reached at his Bisbee Adobe -- (520) 432-3227 ... or by (202) 486-5450

Drew is on-board to do webblogging over the next days.

EVer,

"Spirit," EVJerr and Drew & Barb

Gillett's address, email, and phone number:

Drew Gillett -- DeanEG@hotmail.com

Home Phone: (603) 668-7336, or Cell: (603) 661-2883 33

Address: Holbrook Road, Belford, NH 03110-5917

(202) 486-5450

PHEV Day 59 - Sunday, 10 August 2008. Run to Saint John, NB and Ferry to Digby, NS. Or the "Spirit" goes to Sea for Linking Up ... !

PHEV Day 59 - Sunday, 10 August 2008. Run to Saint John, New Brunwick and Ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia. Or the “Spirit” goes to Sea for Link-Uping with Norm Dick, CANView Circuitboard Designer.
In leaving Jerry Blackburn’s “Museum” of so, so many wondrous things, the “Spirit” had time to visit en route to Nova Scotia for a link up with Norman Dick, the CANView Circuitboard Designer. But first, there was a visit with Fred Thorne and Dennis More of “T+S Trikes” (207) 263-6529 or (207) 949-0839 . They’re “Look Ma! No Gas” electric vehicle design and manufacturing innovators. Especially proud of their tribrid - an gas-electric-petal recumbent bike! Log on www.EVMaine.org to learn more! innovators, locatedin Marshfield, ME.

Unfortunately, time was short and the “Spirit” pushed on to Canada, but with a desire to return and visit with Fred and Dennis as well as Jerry and Charles and possibly quite a few more, who could put together a Down East EVA.

The first run had 58.4MPG for 48.4 miles. The ‘almost-step-on-it’ second run from Fred Thorne’s dome home to Calais, ME resulted in 54.09MPG for 45 miles.

Yet, it dawned with a “Dang! Atlantic Time Zone!” that the self discovery” of a time change for Eastern Canada (making it an hour later than expected! Whatever happened to Eastern Standard Time?/!), it became all of a sudden a rush to the ferry landing in Saint John, New Brunswick. That was combined with an inquisitive the Canadian Custom Inspector, who wanted to take, unfortunately, a long professional inspection of the “Spirit.” The once seemingly generous portion of time allocated for getting to the ferry was rapidly ebbing away! It did not seem likely that Sunday was going to be the day for taking the Bay Ferry www.TheCAT.com called the “Princess of Acadia” from Saint John to Digby, the “Scallop Capital of the World“ on the really renown Bay of Fundy.

Nevertheless, undaunted and on purpose, the “Spirit” then upped the speed and dropped the miles per gallons considerably for the FAST Run -- doing 101KPH for almost 120 kilometers. Or 48.6MPG for the last 70 miles out of a toto of 164.5 Sunday miles ! Thus, adding to the “It’s all part of the PHEVxperience” saga … amazingly continuing to unfold!

And the “Spirit” made the “Princess of Acadia” in time! Tomorrow has Norm Dick on the radar screen to check out her CANView! Further good luck held for EVJerry in locating at the Digby Visitors Center a most splendid hostel, just recently opened-- the Digby Backpackers Inn. It was a former doctor‘s elegant homel The charming Saskia Perrault along with her husband, Claude operated the immaculately clean, light and airy eight bed hostel (902) 245-4573 info@DigbyHostel.com. See also the website www.DigbyHostel.com.

Note: Saskia and Claude are down for pixs and a narrative on the blog.

EVer,

“Spirit” and EVJerry

PHEV Day 58 - Saturday, 9 August 2008. Augusta-Bound! The Run to Maine’s Capital (or Capitol) or Bust!
As a prelude to the reporting out on the “Run to Maine’s Capital, here’s a listing below of the State Capitals that the “Spirit” has so far visited on PHEV All Around America … in order:
1. Annapolis, Maryland
2. Dover, Delaware
3. Trenton, New Jersey
4. Richmond, Virginia
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
6. Tallahassee, Florida
7. Atlanta, Georgia
8. Columbia, South Carolina
9. Charleston, West Virginia
10. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
11. Hartford, Connecticut
12. Providence, Rhode Island
13. Boston, Massachusetts
14. Concord, New Hampshire
15. Albany, New York
16. Montpelier, Vermont
And at this moment, membership from 13 separate Electric Auto Association Chapters have reportedly joined in with the “Spirit of DC” to some degree. It started with the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, DC -- EVADC as the lead and originating sponsor. The EAA listing started with the commencement of the “Spirit of DC” Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle All Around America (PHEV3A) EVducational Tour with her participating in the “Power of DC” in its eight year as a National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA) Event. The following presents a fairly close chronological listing:
1. Triad Electric Vehicle Association (TRIAD)
2. EVA of San Diego (EVAoSD)
3. Michigan Electric Auto Association (MEAA)
4. Oregon EVA (OEVA)
4. Eastern Electric Vehicle Club (EEVC)
5. Electric Cars of Roanoke Valley (ECoRV)
6. Triangle Electric Auto Association (TEAA)
7. Coastal Carolinas/Wilmington EVA (CC/WEVA)
8. Florida EAA (FLEAA)
9. Electric Vehicle Club of the South (EVCoS)
11. Piedmont Carolina EVA (PCEVA)
12. New England EAA (NEEAA)
13. Pioneer Valley EAA (PVEAA)
So in Saturday’s mid-afternoon, the “Spirit” had only 34 more state capitals to visit -- Augusta, ME was photographically captured without a fight, but the trip was quite lengthy! The first run was long -- 58.7MPG for 176 miles; it included a fill-up in Ellsworth, ME: Mobil regular at $3.68 x 6.459 gallons = $25.83 with the Mileage at 78,187.
The second run showed: 53.5MPG for 27 miles; 56.2 for 37, and 55.2 for 50. The run ended with “Spirit’s” meeting up with Jerry Blackburn (207) 598-5677 at his renown we-buy-and-sell-almost-anything’s
DOWNEAST MUSEUM OF
National History & Art
Charles from the Seads Solar Hostel (207) 483-2764 had told EVJerry that Jerry could offer the “Spirit” some pure, unadultered solar juice, which he did. Plus a cabin in the woods for EVJerry to sleep over. That cabin, which was just off of on Route 1 and just a few miles East of Cherryfield, Maine, also offered the “Spirit“ another opportunity charge, since she had endeavored another all electric run in bringing EVJerr to the library for some late night WiFi access. That run lasted just under 3 e-miles before machine and man retired for a quiet night of rest.
EVer,
“Spirit” and EVJerry

PHEV Day 58 - Saturday, 9 August 2008. Augusta-Bound! The Run to Maine's Capital (or Capitol) ... or Bust!

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, and EVnthusiasts, One & All,

As a prelude to the reporting out on the “Run to Maine’s Capital, here’s a listing below of the State Capitals that the “Spirit” has so far visited on PHEV All Around America … in order:

1. Annapolis, Maryland
2. Dover, Delaware
3. Trenton, New Jersey
4. Richmond, Virginia
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
6. Tallahassee, Florida
7. Atlanta, Georgia
8. Columbia, South Carolina
9. Charleston, West Virginia
10. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
11. Hartford, Connecticut
12. Providence, Rhode Island
13. Boston, Massachusetts
14. Concord, New Hampshire
15. Albany, New York
16. Montpelier, Vermont

And at this moment, membership from 13 separate Electric Auto Association Chapters have reportedly joined in with the “Spirit of DC” to some degree. It started with the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, DC -- EVADC as the lead and originating sponsor. The EAA listing started with the commencement of the “Spirit of DC” Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle All Around America (PHEV3A) EVducational Tour with her participating in the “Power of DC” in its eight year as a National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA) Event. The following presents a fairly close chronological listing:

1. Triad Electric Vehicle Association (TRIAD)
2. EVA of San Diego (EVAoSD)
3. Michigan Electric Auto Association (MEAA)
4. Oregon EVA (OEVA)
4. Eastern Electric Vehicle Club (EEVC)
5. Electric Cars of Roanoke Valley (ECoRV)
6. Triangle Electric Auto Association (TEAA)
7. Coastal Carolinas/Wilmington EVA (CC/WEVA)
8. Florida EAA (FLEAA)
9. Electric Vehicle Club of the South (EVCoS)
11. Piedmont Carolina EVA (PCEVA)
12. New England EAA (NEEAA)
13. Pioneer Valley EAA (PVEAA)

So in Saturday’s mid-afternoon, the “Spirit” had only 34 more state capitals to visit -- Augusta, ME was photographically captured without a fight, but the trip was quite lengthy! The first run was long -- 58.7MPG for 176 miles; it included a fill-up in Ellsworth, ME: Mobil regular at $3.68 x 6.459 gallons = $25.83 with the Mileage at 78,187.

The second run showed: 53.5MPG for 27 miles; 56.2 for 37, and 55.2 for 50. The run ended with “Spirit’s” meeting up with Jerry Blackburn (207) 598-5677 at his renown we-buy-and-sell-almost-anything’s DOWNEAST MUSEUM OF National History & Art . Charles from the Seads Solar Hostel (207) 483-2764 had told EVJerry that Jerry could offer the “Spirit” some pure, unadultered solar juice, which he did. Plus a cabin in the woods for EVJerry to sleep over.

That cabin, which came to be, was just off of on Route 1 and just a few miles East of Cherryfield, Maine, also offered the “Spirit“ another opportunity charge, since she had endeavored another all electric run in bringing EVJerr to the library for some late night WiFi access. That run lasted just under 3 e-miles before machine and man retired for a quiet night of rest.

EVer,

“Spirit” and EVJerry

PHEV Day 57 - Friday, 8 August 2008. The Run -- Really, Really! This Time to Monteplier, Vermont's State Capital ...with meeting FLEAA'r by chance!

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, EVnthusiasts, One & All,

Friday’s run to Montpelier, Vermont was via VT 9/100/11 to Springfield, VT and it turned out to be fairly lengthy in time due to twisty, up and down mountain roads, tho not necessarily long in distance. First run results were: 64.2MPG for 16 miles; 63.9 for 39; 60.2 for 70; 63.4 for 75.6 miles on the first run.

In Springfield, VT, it was fueling up: Midgrade $3.86 x 9.46 gallons = $36.60. The mileage total read: 77,817. Rendez vous’ing with friends, Chuck Gregory, and Betsy Levine, did not materialize as hoped for, since one was working out of the office and the other was simply out of the office on leave.

The second run, including pixs at Vermont’s capital of Montpelier, showed: 59.1MPG for 50 miles; 56.6 for 80; 54.6 for 191, and 54.6MPG for 192 miles.

And amazingly enough, a Florida EAA'r, Cliff Rassweiler CliffR@ProEV.com by chance spotted the “Spirit of DC.” The “Spirit” was scouting out the grounds surrounding the ever so green capital lawn for a photo shoot. Frisbee-loving Cliff, who happened on the capital lush green for a pick up game of Frisbee, had read about the “Spirit” thanks to Larry Wetzlar’s Florida EAA list serv posting, way back in July. Cliff ran down the “Spirit;“ he didn’t need a fistful of EV/PHEV-related literature, tho he did take a “Spirit of DC” biz card plus Harvey Coachworks PHET and BugE trifolds. Cliff had met Mike in Florida and like most, was impressed with his working EV.

On an early evening arrival at the Hikers Paradise Hostel in Gorham, New Hampshire, the total slow and steady mileage Blue Highway mileage run on Friday hit 268.4 miles. Hostel owner, Bruno Janicki, who runs the hostel with his wife, Mary Ann, generously allowed the “Spirit” to charge up on that wet, but pleasantly cool humid Friday evening. She had brought EVJerry on one of America’s neatest and greenest Blue Highway from Montpelier -- VT 3 / 2. Slumber for EVJerry brought dreams of preparation for the Run on Augusta and Beyond for Saturday ... Especially with sights set on taking the ferry from Saint John, New Brunswick and dropping in on Norm Dick, CANView Circuitboard Designer, who was formerly a British Columbia resident for some 38 years, but now residing just outside of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, since October 2007.

So far the “Spirit” has taken in 16 State Capitals on the PHEV All Around America. With EVADC as the lead sponsor, the “Spirit of DC” has taken in meeting some dozen or so separate EAA Chapter members.

EVer,

“Spirit” & EVJerry

PHEV Day 56 - Thursday, 7 August 2008. Blacky-2b-EV Meets the "Spirit of DC" plus a Grand Time with the Green Grassroots Level Folks at SOLAQUA, ...

PHEV Day 56 - Thursday, 7 August 2008. Blacky-2b-EV Meets the “Spirit of DC” plus a Grand Time with the Green Grassroots Level Folks at SolAqua, followed by the NYSERDA Visit and Albany Pixs … and Onto Greenwood Lodge-Camping-Hostel in VT.

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, and EVnthusiasts, One & All,

EVJim and Arianna had set up EVJerr for a wonderful country slumber and the “Spirit” for happy charge up in order to begin Thursday activities, two of which EVJim had arranged prior for the “Spirit.”

In swinging by for the first visit in nearby Cheatham, NY, the “Spirit” and “EVJerry” went to SOLAQUA - “Power & Act “Bringing Art to Power and Power to Art” solar installators. And more! Jody Rael along with his SOLAQUA gang, Betsy Wyman (Sales & Renewable Energy Systems), Steve Mammoser, and several others formed up a greeting committee. The “Spirit” was invited to take her first EVer indulgence in pure solar electricity! And she did! Betsy took lots of pixs and promised to blog in a narrative and post pixs, even the last one where Joel’s Prius, Blacky-2b-EV, meets the “Spirit” while Joel and EVJerr add to the background by shaking hands.

Later, Brian Bean, a transplant Californian who is both a solar installer and electrician, and someone who‘s done work for PluginAmerica.com Paul Scott, and Joel‘s son, Ben, joined in welcoming the “Spirit” to so many things there at SOLAQUA that it’s best to surf both these websites: www.solaqua.net and www.sundogsolar.net. Besides viewing the cool-to-the-touch solar heating tubes, what impressed EVJerr the most was magnets! Betsy passed along these dime size magnets so super strong that one can not just pulled such apart with their fingernails. One has to slide them off. The unique and definitely useful gift is now in use posting flyers on the “Spirit.“ The magnets are from SunDogSolar or a related business, I believe. From Joel, Betsy, et SOLAQUA al, the green & clean, sustainable & electric ideas just kept pouring out, even at lunch, to which Joel treated Betsy and EVJerr, while the “Spirit” sipped pure solar juice back at the business.

Once Blacky-2b-EV got us back to SOLAQUA after lunch, the “Spirit” took a most satisfied EVJerr to Albany for a link up the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) folks, another rendez vous that EVJim had set up for the “Spirit.” It’s noted that NYSERDA has not had the opportunity to see the PowerinSupply.com set up with lead acid batteries, even tho it had two Prius PHEVs with nickel metal hydride batteries - one from EnergyCS and the other from Hymotion. At NYSERDA, Joe Wagner, Senior Project Manager, Transportation & Power System Research JRW@nyserda.org (518) 862-1090 X3228, was there to greet us. Also joining in, amidst the threating thunderstorm with intermittent raindrops, was Keith Maurer, Project Coordinator, Transportation & Power Research,KM3@nyserda.org ((518) 861-1090 X3351.

After a short visit at COB, the “Spirit” took a quick hit of electricity with her two cohorts - the EnergyCS and Hymotion Prius PHEVs. Then, it was pixs at the State Capital and onto to Greenwood Lodge-Camping-Hostel in Vermont.

The first run from Spencerton to SOLAQUA in Cheatham, NY showed: 99.0MPG for 7 miles, and 84.5MPG for 8 miles. The CANView screen for History of Consumption per mile read: 23MPG, 122, 45, 52, 255, 83, 86, 94 and 22MPG.

The second run from Cheatham to NYSERDA in Albany, NY itself, read:
99.9MPG for 8 miles and 66.7MPG for 38.1 miles. Five-minute blue bar segments read: 98MPG; 100; 100; 100; and 60MPG.

The third run from Albany to eight miles East and up the Green Mountains to the Greenwood Hostel, outside of Bennington, VT, showed: 92.6MPG for 2 miles; 57.2 for 15; 54.2 for 50; and finally 46.8MPG for 58 miles en toto, arriving with a courteous welcome and gracious settling in by Ann. Ann and her husband Ed have a most delightful Alpine-type mountain resort.

EVer,

“Spirit” & EVJerry

PS One side note to add: Dave Briggs, the Coolidge Hotel-Hostel owner, gave EVJerr a call; he wanted to know about the “Spirit of DC.” He had the PHEV/EV literature left behind in his hands. He especially wanted to know how much electricity the “Spirit” had used, since he, too, had a Prius.

PHEV Day 55 - Wednesday, 6 August 2008. Fun in & around White River Junction, Vermont

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs and EVnthusiasts, One & All,

On a rainy morn, after a pleasant night stayover at the Coolidge Hotel-Hostel (named for President Calvin Coolidge’s father by the way), the “Spirit” was looking for an opportunity charge. She had charged up last night, ran 3.9 electric miles … and thought the Amtrak Station in White River Junction offered an opportunity. So EVJerry set out on foot to investigate.
While it turned out that Amtrak leased space in the historic train depot from the Green Mountain Railroad folks, it also turned out that there was really no opportunity charging per se. Yet, Charles “Chuck” Bohi, the Amtrak Caretaker clbohi@sover.net (also known as a railroad historian & photographer) who had received a “Spirit of DC” business card, had almost immediately passed it along to a fellow RR buff, Eric Francis while EVJerry was on the outside of the depot, contemplating the rainy walk to the Coolidge. Eric had just returned from covering a freight train derailment. Eric called out: “EVJerry!”

And it came to past that Eric was a local reporter-photographer for the White River Junction’s Spectator. In short order, the “Spirit of DC” was at the RR station under platform shelter being photographed outside and in. One of Eric’s friends, Chris McKinley, who was also a railroad buff and depot volunter endeavored to get the “Spirit” a charge. Yet, the outside platform outlet seemed dead. In view of the rain and it being lunchtime, Eric invited EVJerry to join in with other RR buffs at Mickey D’s.

The “Spirit” took Eric and EVJerry to join Chuck as well as two retired men of leisure, Al Bora (a former tax accountant) and Dennis Banning (former machinist) for their informal railroad buff lunch. It turned out to be fun on a rainy morn and continued on into mid-afternoon.
After departing with the RR buffs, the “Spirit” reminded EVJerr about an oil change … and with White River Toyota in view, we were there in seconds. There at the Toyota dealership, a most amicable Jeff Soyer, Sales Consultant Customers@WhiteRiverToyota.com (802) 299-2814 greeted EVJerry, who was intending to see the General Manager. However, it seems that the “Spirit” was gathering a crowd of Toyota sales representatives … so it became show & shine time for the “Spirit.” Another person, Sale & Leasing - Hybrid Vehicle Specialist, Mitchell Piper Customers@WhiteRiverToyota.com (802) 299-2829, joined the crowd on the busy GM’s behalf.
After fully satisfying a half dozen or so Toyota sales representatives, EVJerry make inquiries of Mitchell about the possibility of an oil change without having a reservation. Mitchell checked! And within half an hour, the “Spirit” was “in.” That added to the fun!
After the synthetic Mobil One oil change, the “Spirit” was allowed to charge up … while EVJerry slipped off to lunch.

Due to latest of the day with the continual raindrops falling, and in view of the invitation from EVJim Coate to join his wife, Arianna and himself in Spencerton, New York, we skipped the planned run on Montpelier, VT and headed for Albany, the 15th state capital in mind for Thursday.

In the run to NY, the “Spirit” showed: 51.6MPG for 30 miles; 54.2 for 56; 52.6 for 95 and 54.2MPG for 179 miles en toto when arriving at dark at EVJim and Arianna’s farmstead. It was now dry!

EVer,

“Spirit” and EVJerry

Meeting EVJerry - Boston & Spencertown

Hello - Jim Coate here from The Electric Tractor Store.

I had the pleasure of meeting EVJerry in downtown Boston on Monday August 4, 2008. We were able to pose his impressive car in front of the state capital building and as the pictures show, we were smiled upon with a rainbow! Afterwards I joined EVJerry and Ambrose for a great dinner near Faneuil Hall (only a few hours after the area was mobbed for a presidential hopeful's dinner bash... no wonder why the news trucks were entrenched and pedestrian barricades were still up). Look closely and that is EVJerry waving from the window in the car.





I then left EVJerry to his travels for a few days, until he came to spend the night with I and my wife on Wednesday. Thursday morning we got the full tour of the car, as I had only seen the CAN display system on Monday, and he got to see the barn full of goodies here... Solectria's, a "G" conversion in progress, apparently a few more Elec-Traks than he was expecting :-)

After our tours, he was on his way to visit the folks at Solaqua Power & Art right up the street in Chatham, NY and then onto Albany, NY to connect with the folks at NYSERDA. They are charged with energy issues for the state in general, and in particular have been testing several Lithium-based hybrid conversions. I would have loved to join in for these events (Solaqua is within EV distance from our house), but worked called as I am scrambling to get ready for the NOFA Summer Conference this weekend.

We enjoyed meeting EVJerry and appreciate all the tips he provided for our pending move to Virginia, and I wish him well on the rest of his journey.

- Jim Coate

PHEV Days 53 & 54 - Monday & Tuesday, 4 and 5 August - After PHEV'ing Round Boston, The Run to Concord, New Hamsphire's Capital ... and Beyond!

After the delightful day of phev'ing around Boston, the “Spirit” unfortunately had to go without charging up Monday night at Hanscom AFB. It was after a late departure from nearby the Boston Commons, after EVJerr dined with Ambrose Spencer from Boston and EVJim Coate, who was in from Spencertown, New York on personal business.

After checking email and webblogging, both the “Spirit” and EVJerr set out for Concord, New Hamsphire’s State Capital. But not before fueling up at Hansomc AFB BX: 4.691 gallons at $3.83 = $18.01. Mileage was 77,306. Also, it was time to start thinking about a TLC oil change plus for the “Spirit.”

We headed North on Hwy 3 and later Hwy 3A, then back to Hwy 3. Two Blue Highway readings, while doing a moderate yet fairly steady speed en route, were: 61.0 MPG for 45 miles, and 58.2 MPG for 82 miles.

Once in a rather quaint and relaxed Concord, NH, it was photographing the “Spirit” against the backdrop of the oldest state capital building in the Nation … since 1819, I believe. One stop in Concord was to drop off PluginAmerica, EAA, and other related literature to the Associated Press, Northern New England Bureau, where a friendly Reporter, Kathy McCormack, KMcCormack@AP.org, received the handful of literature. She graciously gave of her limited time and even surfed to see that AP had covered the story on “Who Killed the Electric Car?” There’s reason to believe she’ll see the movie on DVD, especially after reading the PHEV/EV-related information.

Next, it was off to the provide a handful of likewise information at the grassroots level for print media -- that is the Concord Monitor, which was some four miles North of Concord. Once located, the “Spirit” spotted AnnMarie Timmins, who happened to be the Crime Reporter for the Concord Monitor ATimmins@CMonitor.com. Well, if the robbery at the gas pump isn’t a crime … well, let’s not go there! Anyway, tho departing from work, AnnMarie graciously contacted fellow Reporter, Lori Duff LDuff@CMonitor.com for a possible first Ever- PHEV-in-Concord photo session of the “Spirit of DC.” Lori came and got pixs of the “Spirit.” However, after a series of shots, it was back to work for Lori due to a work deadline. The “green & clean loving” Lori did promise to pass the info to her editor, since NH folks are definitely environmentally conscious. For example, two other Prius were still in fairly empty newspaper’s parking lot story. In the end, both AnnMarie and Lori went away with a handful of PHEV/EV literature.

While in and around Concord, Drew Gillett finally made contact! Drew and his wife Barb are long time associates from “Tour de Sol” of yesteryear and the past two years with “21st Century Automotive Challenge (see again http://www.eevc.info/. Drew had been flying and was continuing to fly -- he and his wife Barb had been re-settling in after taking in the BIG airshow at Oskosh, Wisconsin; now he was flying a daughter back to Burlington, VT, after a family visit to his other daughter‘s place in Plymouth, MA. Note: They even got to see two electric planes at that other EAA --Experimental Aviation Association. In short, this double EAA Member and EVJerr set up a rendez vous for 7:30PM at Lebanon Airport.

From Concord, it was up on NH Hwy 4, then Hwy 11 and then finally to be on time, the “Spirit” took on I89 up to Lebanon, NH. There and right before White River Junction, VT, the “Spirit” saw EVJerr link up with Drew. Drew got the “Spirit“ set sucking up the amps at winter charging port at the Lebanon Airport. Drew got EVJerry up into the sky with a single engine plane, which provided an eye-opening experience of sunset flying over the beautiful NH-VT countryside along the Connecticut River wit its junction from the White River at some 1,000’ or so. It was a sunset to rival Arizona’s own! Just so amazingly beautiful in soul and spirit to be serenely flying while taking in the orange glowing sunset above the lush greenery of New Hampshire and Vermont with the silver blue Connecticut River dividing the two. Yet, Drew had to get back to Nashua and his bride, Barb … yet, we did converse lots about future EVents. And especially, the idea of using http://www.evcast.com/ for sharing scheduled EV/PHEV-related occasions as a much needed service (Email eddy for website: podcast@EVCast.com).

Now in returning back to aspects of the PHEV All Around America EVducational Tour, the “Spirit” brought EVJerr to White River Junction, which was once a vital railroad town built over a 150 years ago. Fortunately, it’s still served by Amtrak. In settling in at the hostel provided by the pleasantly rustic Hotel Coolidge, Clerk Dave Dilber graciously allowed the “Spirit” to charge up with EVJerr in attendance. She was happy! Besides her end tally showed 57.0MPG for 151 miles.

Later on, the "Spirit" took a night run about White River Junction to test out the charging; she did 99.9MPG for just under 4 miles. Her showing for the 5-minute blue screen sequence was:
45MPG; 100MPG; 100MPG; 100MPG; 100MPG; 15MPG. The "Spirit" came up way short of the projected 10-11 miles for a very slow and steady run. Her State of Charge (SOC) registers high at 72% at the start, and it ended at 49%. Going to the CANView screen for MPG Consumption reading showed for the four miles run: 47MPG, 255MPG, 255MPG and 255MPG.
These results indicate that the CANView programming is "off" despite reportedly Relay 2 being displayed as functioning! Definitely, the "Spirit" is looking for to a visit with Norm Dick for further diagnostics.

EVer,

“Spirit” & EVJerr

PHEV Day 52 ... & 53 - Saturday, No PHEVing on Sunday, and Monday, 2 and 4 August 2008. From Hartford, ... to CT to Providence., RI to Boston, MA

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, and EVnthusiasts, One & All -

After another stayover at Shuli's in Hartford, CT, the "Spirit" was making a midafternoon 2 August Saturday run first to do a few pixs at Connecticut's state capital in Downtown Hartford.

The "Spirit" did her Hartford run with +/- 3.1 EVMode miles for 5 miles with a 74.6MPG showing. After some pixs of the capital, it was on to Providence, Rhode Island via CT 44 and RI 101/6.

The second run had numbers as followed: 59.0MPG for 6 miles; 60.6 for 65; 60.9 for 67. The screen showed the 5-minute blue bar segments as follows: 100MPG, 100, 85, 100 50; 60; 100; 60; 95; 100; 60; 50, 100 ... . Then there was the fill-up at Johnston Gas -- 5.425 gallons x $3.89 + $21.15. Mileage was: 77,059.6.

After "reconnecting" with long-time-no-see Toastmaster friends (and more!) from yesteryear in North Carolina, Clive and Dacia Nickerson, who are now living in Cranston, RI. in Providence, Rhode Island, the "Spirit" took EVJerr on a third run of 75.4MPG up to S.Weymouth where lodging was sought at a Naval Air Station, but it had changed over to a civilian housing project. So opting to go to Hanscom AFB, outside of Boston, the "Spirit" went thru the night, more safely on the expressway and Interstates to quarters at Hanscom AFB. Final tally was 58.4MPG for 148.8 miles.

And Sunday, 3 August 2008, was a "Day Off from PHEV'ing" and catching up on sleep 'cause EVJerr here drove thru in the early AM, ... getting some exercise in ... and of course, planning did occur for four target of opportunities on Monday: First, EVCast Interview with Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque in Sudbury, MA; Second, Westboro Toyota - authorized A123 Systems installer for the Hymotion PHEV kit; Third; Meet up with A123's Sanjeev Choudhary, General Manager PHEV Systems in Hopkinton, MA; and Fourth, rendez vous'ing with EVJim Coate, an EAA'rs from Spencerton, NY at the Boston Commons ... in front of the General Court (Massachusetts' name for its capital building).

On Monday, 4 August 2008, the "Spirit" did 60.0MPG for +18 miles onInterstate 95 and Route 9 in order to make up time and arrive for the 10:00AM podcast interview with Bo Bennett and Ryan Lesveque. NOTE: Definitely check out http://www.evcast.com/ on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for what's happening in the world of EVs and more! While the "Spirit" relaxed in the parking lot, EVJerr got together with Bo and Ryan, who've taken on podcasting in the last two months in an EVfort to inform people about what's on-going in the EVWorld via news reports, interviews such as with Chesea "EVChel" Sexton from PluginAmerica.com and "Who Killed the Electric Car? fame, Joe Lado "PHEV All Around America" Co-Chair sharing about the origination of this EVent ... and letting people know that the "Spirit" was educating America about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles one town at a time." An EVer delightful an hour was spent interacting and sharing back and forth on PHEVs, EVs and lots more energy related questions as well.

After the podcast, the "Spirit" got to bond with Bo and Ryan on some short CANView runs on Route 9. Then, Bo and Ryan treated EVJerr to lunch and even the use of their office computer to check email. Bo and Ryan are game to start a Greater Boston Area Electric Vehicle Association (or whatever name best fits) chapter of EAA.

Special Note: Anyone can email questions, comments or EV/PHEV-related information into Bo and Ryan for this innovative way of communicating via pod broadcasting at podcast@EVcast.com. Remember to check it out live at 10:00AM Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Or recorded at anytime!

After departing EVCast, it was time to see about linking up with someone at Westboro Toyota, possibly Wesley Gopaul as an emailed point of contact. Trip to Westborough, MA showed 51.1MPG for a now "toto' mileage of 38.1. While waiting for Wesley at Westboro Toyota, Peter Tonelli, Dealer Principal (508) 366-1741, allowed the "Spirit" to fill up on electricity. While waiting, EVJerry was able to converse awhile with A123 Systems GM for PHEV Systems, Sonjeev Choudhary SChoudhary@A123Systems.com . We had made contact months ago at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference in DC; Sonjeev was there for presenting A123/Hymotion PHEV conversion to a former CIA Director. A visit to A123 for the "Spirit" to show her signage plus "PluginSupply.com" kit in spreading the 'PHEV Word' as well as to receive any A123 literature for distro on PHEV3A was just not in the cards, due to "wall-to-wall" meeting scheduled for Sonjeev.

Unfortunately, Wesley was seemingly pretty much tied up and once the "Spirit" had filled up with electricity, courtesy of Westboro Toyota, it was time to travel into the Boston Commons, where not only was EVJim Coate coming, but also a long time associate from the "Tour de Sol" and "21st Century Automotive Challenge"(See http://www.eevc.info/), Ambrose Spencer.

the Run to the Boston Commons had these figures: 70.7MPG for 7 miles; 77.9 for 10; 73.4 for 16; 72.5 for 19; 70.8 for 25 and 72.5MPG for 30 miles.

Once there, on the Northeast corner of the Boston Commons, we three linked up. We did a few pixs with the General Court - Massachusetts Assembly, as a backdrop. And then, we did supper at Durkin Park, a local yet reasonably priced eatery just across from the Fantueil Hall in Olde Boston.

By the way, EVJim Coate Jim@PunsitCreek.com does the "Electric Tractor Store" specializing in Elec-Trak Garden Tractors http://www.electrictractorstore.com/ . His family is moving to Charlottesville, VA.

Then, it was back to Hanscom AFB for a Monday stayover before taking on Concord, New Hamsphire' state capital on Tuesday afternoon. Final mileage from Boston to the AFB was 64.9MPG for 33.8 miles.

EV Jerry on EVCAST Pod Cast

Jerry did the EV podcast today.
Click on the image above to hear the show.

PHEV Day 52 - Saturday, 2 August 2008. Run to Providence, Rhode Island (to be entered)

Space Holding til blogging in later. EVJerr

PHEV Day 51 - Friday, 1 August 2008 -- "Spirit of DC" being treated to Special Service by Special Services per Jeff Skelski in Granby, Massachusetts.

Cheers PHEV3Ars, EVADC'rs, and EVnthusiasts, One & All -

The good news for Friday, 1 August 2008 is Relay 2 Switch is back on and running! Yahoo! Yahoo! Before it was reading "on" in the CANView, but did not function. It meant a modified hypermile EVfort! Now, the "Spirit" can easily pick up several 5-minute blue bars at +99.9MPG, as she did in short runs around Granby, MA. This all came after Jeff Skelski of SPECIAL SERVICES bonded with the "Spirit" in running over to Springfield, MA in order to pick uptwo rolls of wire. Such was on-going, as planned, with the "Spirit" and EVJerry "re-charging" overnight at the Skelski's ... after a misty night run around with Pioneer Vehicle EAA Jim Mell, also an associate of fellow PVEAA'rs Jeff and his wife, Wenda, who just might be able to set up an EAA Education Chapter in her high school. Skelski. It's always a delight to stayover with a most hospitable Jeff & his gracious wife,Wenda at their country homestead. "Spirit" definitely enjoyed the TLC she got!

But first, let's go and see how it all happened when RL2 was registering being "on" for so long while the "Spirit" while en route up from to Florida. Well, my friend and "Tour de Sol" associate of yesteryear, Jeff Skelski (413) 467-7665 used his years of experience to simply have me toggle the whole RL2 program off and on per Florida EAA'r, Jim Parish's print-outs. It worked!

Such is all part of the PHEVxperience!

One test run with Jeff & Wenda's shipmate, Captain Bill Davis, at the "Spirit's" helm, er, ah, um ... the wheel got one validating long stretch of 2.1 electric miles and another usual one of .8 e-miles. Bill hypermiled at 90.9MPG for 6.1 miles.

Earlier in the AM, Jeff and the "Spirit" bonded with EVJerr as a "Ride Along" in a run to Springfield, MA. Without benefit of RL2, Jeff did 54.7MPG for the 24-mile trip!

Next, after charging up and departing the Skelskis, the "Spirit" got a very nice hypermiler run to Springfield with EVMode spurts of of 3.0, 1.4 and 1.0 miles. End result: 90.9MPG for the 11-mile trip. My 5-minute blue bar screen showed: 100MPG / 98 / 100 /75 / 99 / 70 on some backroad blue highways in Massachusetts. Note: The "Spirit" was led to WGGB Channel 40 ABC - Springfield, ... while hypermiling just about all the way by the navigating kindnessCaptain Bill, , a sailing friend and more of Jeff and Wenda Skelski. This was en route to WGGB Channel 40 ABC - Springfield, where the "Spirit of DC" got videotaped and a handful of EV-PHEV literature was distro'd. Also, the "Spirit" got to link up with the WGGB Channel 40 ABC folks in Springfield, MA -- Kaitlin Baker from Sales, Nate Davis and Ryan Trowbridge - Assignments Editors, as well as to be videotaped by John O'Donougho. The "Spirit" was graciously allowed to charge up at the TV Station, too!

Now some technical reporting out -- While recharging the "Spirit," Bill and EVJerr checked out each Universal Battery UB12220 12V 22 Ah battery's voltage, starting with Number 1 at the top upper left on the battery box and counting across to 4and then on to the next row. Results with a simple digital voltage meter read as follows:

1 - Top Row: 1) 11.91 2) 11.89 3) 13.59 4) 13.67
2 - Top Middle Row: 5) 13.67 6) 13.63 7) 13.54 8) 13.62
3 - Central Row: 9) 13.65 10) 13.65 11) 13.62 12) 13.85
4 - Middle Bottom: 13) 13.65 14) 13.58 15) 13.60 16) 13.64
5 - Bottom Row: 17) 13.56 18) 13.59 19) 13,63 20) 13.63

Once Jeff got his elaborate Special Services' equipment into operations, particularly the $800 Mitronics Pulse Check, he got far more accurate reading than the digital voltage meter reader and recorder. It also had a print-out capability as well.

His Mitronics' more accurate results had the following voltage readings for the 20 Universal Battery pack with an overall pack voltage reading of 269.3 volts:

Row 1: 1 - 4: 11.72 / 11.48 / 13.39 / 13.46
Row 2: 5 - 8: 13.48 / 13.42 / 13.35 / 13.42
Row 3: 9 - 12: 13.45 / 13.45 / 13.42 / 13.45
Row 4: 13 - 16: 13.45 / 13.39 / 13.39 / 13.45
Row 5: 17 - 20: 13.36 / 13.39 / 13.44 / 13.42

Jeff's recommendation was to replace the first two batteries with readings of 11.72 and 11.89 as well as to re-locate the two wires tapping into these two batteries. Idea was to put such wires at another location or tap into electricity from another source/mechanism, but not straight off the first batteries. Jeff wasn't optimistic about seeing if putting the two faulty batteries elsewhere in the pack would bring him back to normal life like the others. Yet, it may be worth a shot!

NOTE: It was not clear what the procedure was on replacing any of the batteries. So we'll wait on input from the "Spirit's" Integrator Mike Harvey of www.HarveyEV.com and the Supplier, Robb Protheroe from www.PluginSupply.com on just what is the best way to individually replace any of the batteries. Especially what precautions to take!

Jeff next performed a series of test checking each battery wire-lug interconnects to measure volt dropage across each wire interconnection. He noted voltage could drop because of four primary reasons:
A) Lug to Connector
B) Connector to Wire
C) Wire to Connector
D) Connector to Lug.

Measuring from the top left row across ... to the last one on the bottom right row. NOTE: the desireable battery interconnection reading was .4 millivolt or less. The first millivolt results after charging were as follows:
Row 1: .4, .5, .6, 2.0
Row 2: .5, .5 .6., 2.6
Row 3: .5, .5, .6, 1.9
Row 4: .8, .5, .7, 2.6
Row 5: .6, .5, .5 ...

Next, Jeff repeated the testing with over pack voltage while charging at 269.3 volts. The millivolt results were as follows:
Row 1: 2.1, 2.0, 3.4, 9.6
Row 2: 2.5, 2.4, 2.4, 12.4
Row 3: 2.0, 2.3, 2.0, 9.1
Row 4: 3.4, 2.2, 2.9, 12.6
Row 5: 2,0, 1.5, 2.2 ...

Jeff's "Simple Solution First" recommendations for tightening up and fixing the voltage loss drops (so that energy may be used for powering the PHEV instead) included:

* Using larger wires (6 or 8 gauge)
* same length wiring
* soldering may help
* shortening the long interconnects by reversing the battery packs in Row 2 and Row 4 thereby shortening the long wire interconnect

Jeff 's available to converse with anyone about the results and recommendations. Call him at Special Services (413) 467-7665 and say the "Spirit" move you! Also, Jeff will be reviewing EVJerr's typing up of these notes and editing the same according before they're posting on the list serv.

The "Spirit" in linking up with the WGGB Channel 40 ABC folks in Springfield, MA -- Kaitlin Baker from Sales, Nate Davis and Ryan Trowbridge - Assignments Editors, also wa videotaped by John O'Donougho. Furthermore, WGGB graciously allowed the "Spirit" to charge up at the TV Station, too! So keep an eye on WGGB for the "Spirit" to flash her signage and show her stuff, especially a working RL2 on the screen!

The Run Back to Hartford, even using InterState 91 by necessity and amidst the 5:00PM plus rush hour traffic had some semi-hypermile results of 62.2MPG for 30.8 miles.

EVer, soon en route to Providence, RI, but on the Blue Highways!

"Spirit of DC" and EVJerry

PS Alas! only 39 more state capitals to go!

Space Reserved -- PHEV Day 50 - Thursday, 31 July 2008. Afternoon Run to Amherst, Massachussets for Meet Up with Pioneer Valley EAA Members

Cheers PHEV3Ars, EVADC'rs, & EVnthusiasts, One & All,

The "Spirit" would like to leave this Space Reserved for Pioneer Valley EAA President Karen Jones to report out on the EVent there in Amherst with PVEAA Members coming out to visit with the "Spirit" and EVJerr -- Karen, PVEAA VP Emlen Jones, Carol Vinze plus locals such as Coach Walt and his two daughters, Prius owners-now-prospective PVEAA Members - Gary & Claire.
Karen should have some pixs, too!


Sidenote: Later on, the "Spirit" was en route to Jeff & Wenda Skelski for an overnight stay. when Jim Mell, PVEAA Treasurer, called. He had been waiting in his classic Prius to visit with the "Spirit." Once there, the "Spirit" took Jim on a bonding experience all over Granby and the surrounding neighborhoods, even including the college town of Hadley, Massachusetts.

EVer,

"Spirit" & EVJerr

PHEV Day 49 - Thursday, 30 July 2008. Cruising-In with the "Spirit" at Westbrooks, CT

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, & EVnthusiasts, One & All,

From both the "Spirit" and EVJerry recharged their batteries - "Spirit's" PbA and EVJerr's mental ones, it was down to New England EAA President, Bob Rice's country estate, serene and inviting, in Killingsworth for a link-up and then on to Ray's Seafood & Grill. Note: We went via I91 until Hwy 9 allowed us the CT blue highway opportunity.

The "Spirit" followed Bob in his EV to Westbrook, where we set up to display both a pure electric and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to the classic car lovers, who turn out either to show their reconditioned classics or view them. Lots of folks came a'looking at the EV and the PHEV; some even looked at NEEAA Membership, too! Many got NEEAA brochures and EAA literature along with "Spirit of DC" business cards.

Altho no other NEEAA Members were able to join in the most enjoyable evening's worth of "show & tell," Bob and EVJerr certainly had a good time with the local folks. Especially after some delectable dining! At 9:00PMish, it was back on the road en route to Shuli's once again for the "Spirit" after blinking "Adieu, Adios & Aloha" to Bob, as he turned in to the street to his homestead.

Before long, the "Spirit" spotted gas selling at $3.89!!! She pulled EVJerr right in. The pricing was $3.89 for cash and $3.99 for credit; the "Spirit" has some of each due to night lighting situation with a country store on the backroads of CT:
Credit at $3.99 x 2.06 gallon = $8.24
Cash at $3.89 x 3.11 gallon = $12.10
Total was: 5.17 gallons for $20.34 with Mileage reading at 76,771.

In toto, the trip had 45.2MPG for 72.9 miles.

EVer,

"Spirit" & EVJerry

PHEV Day 48 - Wednesday, 30 July 2008. Run to Hartford, Connecticut's State Capital

Cheers PHEV3A'rs, EVADC'rs, and EVnthusiasts, One & All -

First of all, EVJerr's been endeavoring to have the EAA Chapter Members do the blogging with his password. It allows more fun and more perspective teamwork, especially when they can post the pixs. It allows the "Spirit" to move EVJerr on down the blue highways!


After leaving the Cousins in Somerset, NJ, the "Spirit" was on the I287 en route to NYC before filling up in Edison, NJ ( appropriately enough to honor Thomas Alvin Edision); she got 48.0MPG on that short 8 miles before stopping for fuel. In tallying up the trip up from Washington, DC, it was 198.7 miles. The best run was: 57.7MPG for 17 miles. The fill-up was $3.73 x 4.379 gallons = $16.37. The total mileage read: 76.478 miles.

So in visiting the Long Island EAA Members, thanks to Michael Anzalone nicely hosting, on Tuesday, 29 July 2008, the "Spirit" unfortunately for her MPG-mileage run, but fortunately for EVJerr's sanity, went on I278 / Hwy 440 and Belt Parkway / Southern State Parkway to Hwy 110 to Dixon Ave in Amityville for the meet up with Michael, John, Vindy, others and especially, Michelle, John's finance. Still the run showed: 56.7MPG for 53 miles from NJ to Long Island.

Afterwards, Michael got to bond with the "Spirit" driving over to Appleby's for further conversing and dining. Michael treated EVJerry, John, Michelle to fine dining, too! After eating, John also got to bond with the "Spirit." Then, it was off into the night to get to W. Hartford and Shuli Graham's homestead! Shuli graciously offered her place as a base of operations for the next several days. Even allowing the "Spirit" to charge up!

The NYCT Interstate 95 run, due to night time conditions and safety, showed these results in toto from NJ: 54.8MPG for 219.2 miles.

The plan for Thursday was to link up with New England EAA President and associates at a "cruise in" at Ray's Seafood & Grill in Westbrooks, CT.

EVer,

"Spirit" & EVJerry from W.Hartford