The Spirit of DC - PHEV3A

"Spirit of DC" in Winter Quarters in Home Sweet Bisbee, Arizona ... from early December 2008 to late January 2009

2008-12-10T15:38:00.001-08:00

Electric Powered...Jerry Asher's Spirit of DC travels promote vehicles of the future

2008-11-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Electric Powered

Jerry Asher's Spirit of DC travels promote vehicles of the future
By Gary Dickson -- Record-Bee Publisher

LAKEPORT - Jerry Asher drove into Lakeport on Thursday, November 20. It’s doubtful anyone heard him pull into town, though. His car doesn’t make any noise. It’s electric. He is touring America with the Spirit of DC, a plug-in hybrid electric Toyota Prius. Asher said the DC on the car can be as in Washington, D.C., where the tour started, as in direct current, its power source, or as one person suggested to him, “drive carefully”.

While enjoying breakfast at the High Street Café, Asher jokingly mentioned that he has something in common with the Blues Brothers who were “On a mission from God.” While it is obvious that Asher is passionate about his mission, his business card actually states he is “Educating America about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles…one town at a time.”

Locally, Asher and the Spirit of DC were hosted to the public at the Mendo-Lake Credit Union parking lot by the Konocti Electric Auto Association. The car and touring expenses are being offset by the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, D.C. and from grants from a number of other electric car associations and other organizations.

Jerry Asher describes the time we are living in as one of the most exciting in history. He said we are witnessing “the end of the ICE (internal combustion engine) age as we move into the SEA (solar and electric) age.” He went on to state that “We can get energy independence back for America.” The movement that Asher describes doesn’t just deal with electric cars, but it also encompasses the utilization of solar, wind and hydro-electric power to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.

Asher commented that his Spirit of DC tour of America has proved to him that there really is a grassroots movement taking place all across the country to increase the usage of alternative forms of energy. He spoke of small business owners in many states who are actively seeking ways to involve their business in electric transportation. There is even a guy named Jim Coate who is converting farm tractors into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. On a local basis, Asher mentioned that Santa Rosa Junior College has a grant from AAA to build a state-of-the-art electric vehicle that uses lithium batteries.

Dr. Randy Sun (left), president of the Konocti Electric AutoAssociation, welcomes Jerry Asher to Lakeport on Nov. 20. Asher is touring the United States in an electric car, which he hopes will be the standard for the country in the future

Here in Lakeport, the Konocti Electric Auto Association may not be building electric cars, but its members are certainly interested in driving them. Their reasons include what most people would expect; many want to get away from being gasoline dependent, knowing full well that what has come down in price recently will go back up in the future. Others are more interested in environmental issues and like the fact that they reduce their carbon footprint by going electric. There are currently 52 members of the local association. Not all of them own electric cars, yet, but they all hope to at some point in their life.

One concern that some people voice is how and where does one charge an electric car, other than at home? Dr. Randy Sun, president of the Konocti Electric Vehicle Association, said that charging stations are springing up all across the country. He said there are now many charging stations in northern California. He mentioned the park and ride lot in Ukiah added electric vehicle charging availability not long ago. Shopping malls and public parking garages are rapidly making them available as the number of electric powered autos soars.

Asher says that the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, D.C. is working on getting a parade permit for the Spirit of DC in the upcoming inaugural parade for President Elect Barack Obama. He said the organization believes it would be a great way to get lots of attention for the alternative energy cause. An optimistic Asher even said that the Spirit of DC will someday be in the Smithsonian Institute. He clarified that, “They don’t know that yet, but I am going to work at making it happen.”

Asher pointed out that the electric car has a much larger and longer presence in America’s history than most people realize. One of his informational sheets illustrates the point. Long before any gas-powered auto was the seed of a thought in an inventor’s mind, Thomas Davenport developed a battery electric car in 1834. In 1896, the first car dealership in America opened its doors. It sold electric-powered cars. In 1908, Henry Ford bought his wife an electric vehicle. She once remarked, “It never fails me.”

After Lakeport, Jerry Asher said he will be working his way back east through the sun-belt states. He plans to complete the tour by showing the Spirit of DC at the Environmental Protection Agency’s 5th National Sustainable Design Expo, April 18-20, 2009, on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C. He left on this cross-country drive shortly after the Spirit of DC was christened, on Earth Day 2008, April 20, on the National Mall. Asher said, “The tour has taken on a life of its own.” With the help of all the local electric vehicle association chapters, he said, “The tour has been a team effort to educate and to call to action.”

Article Published on November 26, 2008. Courtesy of the Lake County Record-Bee.
Contact Publisher Gary Dickson at gdickson@record-bee.com or call him direct at 263-5636 ext. 24.

"Spirit of DC" Taking on Las Vegas EVA, Monday Eve, 24 November 2008

2008-11-25T00:13:00.000-08:00

SEE below for December 2008 contents from Las Vegas EVA Watts Happening -- space that was reserved for Stan & Marianne, Bill and Amanda, Bill, Lloyd, Daniel, John, Michelle, et Las Vegas EVA'rs al for webblogging plus posting pixs of the "Spirit of DC" shining & showing on the 2nd level of the Texas Station Casino parking garage.

EV Jerry visits Las Vegas

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
EVJerry and Spirit of DC Visit Las Vegas

Stan Hanel, Las Vegas EVA Webmaster, reports on the "Spirit of DC" shining her signage and showing electric muscle and CANView screen schemes on the 2nd level of the Texas Statin Casino parking garage right there in North Las Vegas to Stan & Mary Ann, Bill and Amanda, Bill, Lloyd, Daniel, Jon, Michelle ... See below:

"EVJerry" Asher brought the "Spirit of DC" Plug-In Toyota Prius to visit the Las Vegas Electric Vehicle Association (LVEVA) on Monday, November 24th. LVEVA members who greeted Jerry's arrival included Vice-President Lloyd Reece; Secretary/Treasurer Bill Kuehl and his wife, Amanda; Board of Directors member Stan Hanel and his wife, Marianne; Michelle Robinson; Jon Hallquist; and Bill Yule.

Jerry gave a comprehensive overview of the conversion technology used in the Spirit of DC, including the lead-acid battery pack module installation from Plug-In Supply in Santa Rosa, California. A hydraulic lift assembly for the 300 lb. bank of batteries allowed the whole module to be lifted up so that the spare "donut" tire could be accessed. Jerry also demonstrated additional open source CANView software menus on the Prius touch screen display panel that added enhanced instrumentation to the vehicle.

After answering questions and handing out informational brochures, Jerry joined with LVEVA members to christen the Spirit of DC with the LVEVA logo. It was transferred to the body of the Toyota Prius, next to the logos of some of the 38 other EAA chapter locations that Jerry had visited during his amazing journey.

After the christening, the group convened to the nearby Texas Station casino for a tasty buffet and lively conversation about the emerging new world of electric vehicles. Jerry spent the night at the guest house of LiFeBATT USA before leaving the next day for his home state of Arizona. LiFeBATT USA distributes Lithium Iron Phosphate battery modules that are manufactured in Taiwan. Jerry was hosted by LVEVA member Michelle Robinson, who is also the Chief Operating Officer for the company.

The LVEVA members who attended the EVent felt really grateful to Jerry for all his good work in spreading the word about alternative transportation possibilities. Happy Thanksgiving and may you enjoy a well-deserved rest!

December 2008 Las Vegas EVA's Watts Happening Newsletter Notes:

The Las Vegas Electric Vehicle Association (LVEVA) will meet on the third Saturday of each month during 2008 and 2009. Meetings will be held at the Clark County Library on 1401 E. Flamingo Road from 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM. Members will be displaying their own electric cars and answering questions before and after the meeting.
Calendar

. . .
LVEVA Board of Directors:Richard Furniss, PresidentLloyd Reece, Vice PresidentBill Kuehl, Secretary/TreasurerAl Sawyer, Jan Himber , Al D’Inzillo, Stan Hanel
Newsletter Editors and Contributors: Richard Furniss, Lloyd Reece, Bill Kuehl, Al Sawyer, P.E.,Jan Himber, Brent Singleton, Kent Singleton, Stan Hanel

WATTS HAPPENING is published monthly by theLas Vegas Electric Vehicle Association,a chapter of the Electric Auto AssociationLas Vegas Electric Vehicle Association web sitehttp://www.lveva.org
Electric Auto Association web sitehttp://www.eaaev.org
Electric Auto AssociationMembership Renewals323 Los Altos DriveAptos, CA 95003-5248
Current EVents contact: At http://www.eaaev.org/eaaboard.html

Address Correspondence to: LVEVA2816 W. El Campo Grande AvenuNo. Las Vegas, NV 89031Call for Information: Richard Furniss (702) 453-6196
Jan Himber for Al Sawyer (702) 642-4000 Bill Kuehl (702) 636-0304
Stan Hanel (702) 405-0506
Contents:
-- LVEVA Participates in Santa’s Electric Night Parade in Boulder City
-- “Spirit of DC” Plug-In Toyota Prius Hybrid visits Las Vegas on November 24th
-- Bill Kuehl’s “Saga of An EV Wannabe” (Part 6)
-- Tesla Motors Production Vehicles Rolling Off Assembly Line
-- Project Better Place Hopes to Make Silicon Valley an Electric Car Capital
-- Bonneville Salt Flats 2008 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Racing Highlights
-- EV Battery Recharging, Maintenance and Management Systems
-- LVEVA Board of Directors Elections on December 20th
-- LVEVA DVD Reference Library
-- EV Repairs and Service
-- EV Conversion and Fabrication Support
-- EVs and EV Parts for Sale

. . .

“Spirit of DC” Plug-In Toyota Prius Hybrid visits Las Vegas on November 24th
"EV Jerry" Asher brought the "Spirit of DC" Plug-In Toyota Prius to visit the Las Vegas Electric Vehicle Association (LVEVA) on Monday, November 24th as part of his campaign to promote Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles All Around America (PHEV3A) at: http://www.phev3a.com
Jerry is also the inter-chapter relations coordinator for the Electric Auto Association, the national parent organization for the local chapter of the Las Vegas Electric Vehicle Association (LVEVA) at: http://www.eaaev.org
Local LVEVA members who greeted Jerry's arrival included Vice-President Lloyd Reece; Secretary/Treasurer Bill Kuehl and his wife, Amanda; Board of Directors member Stan Hanel and his wife, Marianne; Michelle Robinson; Jon Hallquist; and Bill Yule.
The Electric Auto Association has joined with the California Cars (CALCars) initiative and Plug-in Partners non-profit organization to promote the adoption of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles at: http://www.eaa-phev.org
The original conversion of this stock Toyota Prius Hybrid EV to a Plug-In Hybrid EV (PHEV) was performed through the cooperation of the Washington, DC chapter of the EAA (EVADC) in April 2008. Christened as the “Spirit of DC”, it was then commissioned as an educational vehicle to be shown to as many participating EAA chapters as possible throughout the U.S. over the next eight months: http://www.spiritofdc.org
This cross-country journey began at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. with a plan to visit 40 EAA chapters before Jerry would arrive home in Bisbee, Arizona in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The LVEVA was the 39th EAA chapter that he visited along the way.
Upon his arrival, Jerry gave a comprehensive overview of the conversion technology used in the Spirit of DC, including the lead-acid battery pack module installation from Plug-In Supply in Santa Rosa, California at: http://www.pluginsupply.com
A hydraulic lift assembly for the 300 lb. bank of batteries allowed the whole module to be lifted up so that the spare "donut" tire could be accessed.
The extra lead-acid battery pack can be recharged externally at night from the Prius owner’s household 110 VAC source in a home garage. An extension cable just needs to be connected to an external port located on the rear bumper of the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Prius. By not employing the gasoline engine to recharge the lead-acid pack, the “electric-only” range of the Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack is extended from one mile to about 10 miles. This enables the PHEV owner to conserve gasoline, potentially reaching ranges exceeding 100 miles per gallon after a gasoline tank fill-up during in-town driving by exchanging electricity for gasoline. Adding more advanced batteries, such as Nickel-Metal Hydride or Lithium Iron Phosphate battery packs instead of the lead-acid pack would increase the “electric-only” range from one mile to 20 or 30 miles, and consume even less gasoline during in-town driving.
Jerry also demonstrated additional open source CAN-View software menus on the Prius touch screen display panel that added enhanced instrumentation to the vehicle. The Computer Area Network (CAN) standard communication protocol is widely used in the automotive electronics industry. The CAN bus board is located on the rear of the battery pack module and communicates information about the extra battery pack module through a computer under the seat of the car to the front dashboard LCD display/touch screen.
The open source CAN-View software was written by members of the the Silicon Valley EAA chapter of the Electric Auto Association. More information, including how to access downloadable versions of the CAN-View software, is available from these EAA web pages at:
http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/CAN-View
The Official CAN-View Website is http://www.hybridinterfaces.ca
After answering questions and handing out informational brochures, Jerry joined with LVEVA members to christen the Spirit of DC with the LVEVA logo. It was transferred to the body of the Toyota Prius, next to the logos of some of the 38 other EAA chapter locations that Jerry had visited during his amazing journey.
After the christening, the group convened to the nearby Texas Station casino for a tasty buffet and lively conversation about the emerging new world of electric vehicles. Jerry spent the night at the guest house of LiFeBATT USA before leaving the next day for his home state of Arizona. LiFeBATT USA distributes Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery modules that are manufactured in Taiwan using some of the same resources that provide LiFePO4 cells to Plug-In Supply. Jerry was hosted by LVEVA member Michelle Robinson, who is also the Chief Operating Officer for the LiFeBATT USA distributor at: http://www.lifebatt.com
The LVEVA members who attended the EVent were grateful to Jerry for all his good work in spreading the word about alternative transportation possibilities. We all wish him a happy holiday season and a well-deserved rest!

"Spirit" with the Tehachapi EAA, Sunday Noon, 23 November 2008

2008-11-25T00:10:00.000-08:00

Jerry's visit to our new chapter was a great way to start our group off! A splendid and informative time was had by all. We attracted a couple of new members, and the local paper with our luncheon. It was a pleasant but windy day, but wind is a good thing for those of us in Tehachapi. A large amount of the energy we use to charge our EV's comes from all the wind farms surrounding our town.

Check out the TCEAA web site at http://fp1.antelecom.net/kernev

"Spirit" Doing the East Bay EAA Meeting, Saturday, 22 November 2008

2008-11-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

This space is reserved for Paul Cooper, Ed Thorpe and East Bay EAA'rs to blog and post pixs from the "Spirit" being there in Alameda, showing & shining ...!

"Spirit" Came a'Visiting a Dozen Plus Great Sacramento EAA'rs, Friday, 201 November 2008

2008-11-21T22:35:00.001-08:00

Space is here for Tim, Tom and other GSEAA'rs to edit to hearts's content. Plus post pixs per doing lunch in Sacramento at the Arden Mall.

Konocti Electric Auto Association hosts 'Spirit of DC' Prius

2008-11-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

Lake County News

Konocti Electric Auto Association hosts 'Spirit of DC' Prius Thursday
Written by Editor
Tuesday, 18 November 2008

LAKEPORT – The Konocti Electric Auto Association will meet Thursday morning and host a special guest who has been touring the nation with his special electric vehicle.
Jerry Asher, owner of a converted Toyota Prius called the “Spirit of DC” will be the guest at the meeting.

Mount Konocti in Lake County

The group will meet at the High Street Café for breakfast at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday and then adjourn to the Mendo-Lake Credit Union Conference Room for an informal meeting on The Spirit of DC.
Asher's Prius gets more than 100 miles per gallon. He has traveled nationwide and displayed his car to all the Electric Auto Associations nationwide. He also has showed the car to President Bush as an introduction to plug-in electric vehicles.
Regular members of the Electric Auto Association (http://www.konoctieaa.org/) and the public are invited.

If you wish to join the Konocti EAA please visit the above website.

The above was a publication from our local news agency.

Please look forward to additional pictures from our Spirit of DC Meeting. A follow-up news report from Gary Dickson (e-mail: gdickson@record-bee.com) (707-263-5636 ext 24) of the Lake County Record Bee will be forthcoming.

Posted by Dr Randy Sun, KEAA President on 20 Nov 08.

Weekly Reports about Green Festivals in DC and SF ... and the"Spirit of DC" on her California Run ... Coming Soon!

2008-11-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

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

Soon ... once on top of etherous piles of email, EVJerry here intends to get out a series of weekly reports -- two days of attending the Green Festival in DC with the EVADC taking charge of the TEEN AREA, dropping by the Green Festival in San Francisco ... and of course, what the "Spirit" has been up to ... swinging over from Arizonah to Californiah -- meeting Tessie the Tesla at PluginAmerica.com Founder & President, Linda Nicholes, dropping by Silicon Valley EAA Meeting on Saturday, 15 November ... and trucking on up Hwy 101 to link up with Robb Protheroe of PluginSupply.com, right in Petaluma, CA.

Other reports and pixs should be forthcoming!

The California Run will include further rendez vous with EAA Chapters -- North Bay EAA (fingers crossed!), Konocti EAA in Lakeport, CA, East Bay EAA, Greater Sacramento EAA, Tehachapi EAA, Las Vegas EVA, Flagstaff EAA ... hopefully back in "winter quarters" Home Sweet Bisbee, Arizona with a day to spare in order prep for Thanksgiving.

"Spirit of DC" PHEV All Around America Update ... from EVJerry back in DC with the "Spirit" Hanging out at the Beach!

2008-11-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

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

Below is an update of things and EVents happening, or anticpated to happen. Please take a moment to read. Maybe even provide feedback to PHEV3A Co-Chairs: Joe Lado JoeLado@yahoo.com or EVJerry Asher EVJerry@usa.net (202) 486-5450

"Spirit of DC" PHEV All Around America Update - 7 November 2008

I. PHEV All Around America (PHEV3A) Taking Winter Quarters in Home Sweet Bisbee

A. The basis for the "Spirit of DC" staying over in Arizona through the winter results from the gifting of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery pack and charger from Delaware Power Systems out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. See Dr Walter Wu's email regarding gifting the "Spirit of DC" in the Feb 2009 timeframe. And there is Robb Protheroe's offer to integrate the new Li-ion battery pack with the PluginSupply kit and system, once shipped by DPS to Petaluma, CA. See also 11 October email exchange below.

B. The "RVJerry" Rationale:
1. Reconstituting the "Body Beautiful" of EVJerr (Alas! 20 + pounds added) after some 17,000 HEV/PHEV miles on the tusch ... let alone EVJerr's pretty face with lots of media action from coast-to-coast ... and after 40 State Capitals and 34 EAA Sister Chapters visited.
2. Recoup'ing & Replenishing EVJerry's Financial Status ... a tad! Briefly, the "Spirit" had some 108 PHEV Day on the Blue Highways of America.
3. Setting up Fundraising, Media, Lodging, Webblogging, and other Subcommittees for the Grand "Second Half" Finale from San Francisco Bay Area to Home Sweet Capitol Mall on Earth Day. Sidenote: For fundraising -- perhaps it can begin with pledges per mile, or EAA Sister Chapters, or State Capitals visited. of: 1-cent a mile from EAA Chapters; a dime an EAA Chapter from EAA Members; a buck a State ... [brainstorming]

4. Planning out the 2nd "Grand Finale Half of the "Spirit of DC" Sun Belt Run across America ... also to include setting up a "Welcome Home Spirit of DC" Subcommittee.
5.
II. Winter Schedule Planning for "Spirit of DC:
A. Initiating the "Tour de AZ" EVenture ... visiting 15 Arizona County Seats of Government (Cochise, Santa Cruz, Pima, Pina, Greenlee, Graham, Yuma, Havapai, Coconino, Apache, Maricopa, ... . )
B. Visiting Robb Protheroe at PluginSupply.com for Li-ion Battery integration of the "Spirit of DC" TBD after the Green Festival in San Francisco ...
C. Visiting EAA Chapters, done in conjunction at times with "A" and "B" above:
1. California with 11 Chapters at least with re-visits: EVAoSC, Ventura Couty EAA, Central Coast EAA, SFEVA, SF Peninsula EAA, Konocti EAA, East Bay EAA, Greater Sacramento EAA, Tehachapi EAA, ... plus the functional Chapters -- PluginAmerica, and CALCars. And a return to Professor Andy Frank at UC- Davis
2. Nevada: Las Vegas EVA
3. Arizona: Flagstaff EAA and Phoenix EAA.

III. PHEV3A Planning for 2009 Kick-off and Return to DC:
A. Planning as done in conjunction with Green Festival in Washington, DC, 8-9 November 2008 www.GreenFestivals.com and Green Festival in San Francisco, 14-16 November
B. Setting up PHEV3A Committee Open Planning Sessions ... along with developing Subcommittees -- Fundraising, Welcome Back, Publicity, Media, Routing, Webblogging, etc.
C. Conferring with Amtrak on "Spirit's" Auto Train Return from Sanford, Florida.
D. Outlining 2009 "Fun Run in the Sun" with Xtreme BugE -- determining name, setting up committee with co-chairs, settling on date, budget projections, routing, solar contacts, etc
E. Link-up'ing with the <www.GreenTrain.org > folks ... creating possible meet-up in Mid America (i.e. Kansas City, New Orleans, Memphis, ...) with Green Train and the "Spirit" and the "Xtreme BugE" some time after the 5th EPA National Sustainable Design Expo on the Capitol Mall on Earth Day weekend in April 2009. Note: the Green Train leave on its six week venture from Portland and is en route to DC.
F. Considering the possibilities of taking the "Spirit of DC" to Hawaii as retiree with military shipping benefit and Alaska, if the Alaska Marine Highway System offers a courtesy trip for doing an EVducational Tour on Alaska Inner Coastal Waterways.
G. ______________________ [Fill in]
...

That's it for the moment, except we've got a LOT of logbook work to organize as well as pixs to post. Do read the Appendix A below.
EVer,
"Spirit" and EVJerry

Appendix A: Copy of 11 October Email Exchange:

Dr Walter Wu, Delaware Power Systems wrote:

Hi, Jerry:

Thanks for your call and thanks for your trip to educate people of the benefit of PHEV!

I checked with our manufacturer in China and the delivery schedule look like: -- Next delivery will be the end of December 2008. -- If everything goes smoothly, it will take about 4 weeks to arrive US Therefore I expect the pack could be installed on your PHEV from the beginning of February 2009!

DPS will donate a battery pack of 6kwh ~ 7kwh with a 1500W charger.

To further specify the pack, we will need to do the following things:
1. To exchange technical information, we will need to sign a NDA with Plug In Supply I attach DPS's NDA here.
2. Robb will need to tell us: -- Pack voltage and operating voltage range -- Electrical interface requirements -- Dimension requirement: I have seen the current lead acid pack, we will have no problem to fit the space with 6~7kwh Lithium pack.

DPS is building commercial battery packs from smart universal battery modules ("UBM(TM)") as building block. It does not need any extra work or device for battery management and thermal management.

Now, the basic building block is 48Ah/24V UBM (19.6V ~ 29.4V operating range). We can put 5 or 6 of these UBMs in series to make 120V or 144V system. 3. Technical integration of the pack Due to battery system management requirement, technical integration need to be considered carefully.

I am looking forward to talk to Robb for the integration.

Best Regards

Walter Walter D. Wu Ph.D
President & CEO Delaware Power Systems, Corp
12280 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC, V7A4Z1
Tel: 604-960-1411 (direct) Fax: 604-271-5806
Web: www.delawarepowersystems.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Asher [mailto: evjerry@usa.net]
Sent: October-09-08 2:14 PM
To: WWu@DelPowerSys.com
Cc: Robb@PluginSupply.com; EVJerry@usa.net ; JoeLado@yahoo.com; Garlow.Charlie@epamail.epa.gov; DonnaGAustin@mindspring.com

Subject: A'waiting to Converse on Friday ... Also, Shipping Address.

Cheers Walter et Delaware Power System al -

Glad to catch you today in Seattle.

Will be a'waiting to converse further while the "Spirit of DC" takes me to San Diego, CA on Friday. Robb Protheroe, PluginSupply, is game to install the set of Li-ion NCM batteries and set the settings on the "Spirit."

His shipping address is: Robb Protheroe (707) 849-2422 Plug in Supply 302 Fawn Court Petaluma, California 94954 USA

Note, Walter, the "Spirit" will be returning back to Petaluma and re-doing the San Francisco - Sacramento - Davis area, probably within one week of battery shipping.

EVer en route to San Francisco,
"Spirit" & EVJerr (202) 486-5450

EVJerry Asher
Electric Auto Association Chapters Relations
Post Office Box 651 Bisbee, Arizona 85603
Home Phone: (520) 432-3227
Cell Phone: (202) 486-5450 (Weekends/Evenings & Voice Mail)

"Spirit" Shines in the Sunny & Bright of Arizona at the Bisbee Farmers Market While Rubbing Shoulders with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords ...

2008-11-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

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

After an enjoyable night's rest, while EVJerry did his civic Bisbee duty on HalloweeniEV, the "Spirit" got to shine in the sunny & bright warmth of an Arizona morn this "All Saints" Saturday, 1 November 2008 ... at the Bisbee Farmers Market. The "Spirit" was most welcomed to park next the KBRP 96.1 FM booth.

Being the first EVer PHEV in these parts, the "Spirit" certainly enjoyed folks coming by. Even out-of-towners. Especially the first EVer photo opportunity with a Member of Congress -- AZ's own Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with her husband Mark Kelly at the camera along with a few others.

Another photo op came with Borderland EVA VP, Donna G. Austin, posting the "BEVA" EAA decal to mark the 34th EAA Sister Chapter so visited in the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle All Around America EVducational Tour. Donna is expected to post some pixs taken later on. Furthermore, Donna took in the national EAA application for BEVA newest member, Harry Wolters - a kindred "KBRP Spirit" to the "Spirit of DC."

EVer from Home Sweet Bisbee - future Winter Quarters for PHEV3A,

"Spirit of DC" and EVJerry

PS Again ... Watch for pixs within the next few days!

Happy HalloweeniEV from the "Spirit" & EVJerry in the sunny & bright Warmth of Arizonah

2008-10-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

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

Getting back into the webblogging routine takes some practice ... or so it seems! Especially remembering to blog, first of all.

While it's Halloween tonight, 31 October ... without much "show & tell" from the "Spirit," let alone EVJerry, however, manana on All Saints Day, 1 November, the "Spirit of DC" will be out there in the Arizona sunshine showing off her signage, electric muscle and circuits and more ... as announced both on the Bisbee Radio KPRB 96.1 FM (LP) and via the good services of the Copper Queen Library, per the Programs Coordinator, Donna G. Austin (who is also the Contact and VP for Borderland EVA) as follows:

Saturday, November 1, Farmers' Market

The Spirit of DC (Direct Current) will be on display at the Farmers' Market. The "Spirit" is a Plug-in Toyota Prius owned by Jerry Asher (a Bisbee local) who is driving the plug-in vehicle all across the country, stopping at every state capitol to demonstrate that the technology for electric vehicles is here and now.

Jerry has also visited 36 affiliated electric vehicle associations on his journey and will be greeting Bisbee's own BEVA ( Borderland Electric Vehicle Association) at the market.

Come and meet Jerry and learn about the Spirit.

You can learn more about the Spirit and Jerry's travels on:

http://spiritofdc.com/ [end of announcement]

Now off to get ready for "Trick or Treat" ... !!!

Aloha EVer from Arizonah,
"Spirit" and EVJerry

Updating on the "Spirit of DC" ... Moving into "Winter Quarters" While Awaiting Delaware Power System Li-ion Battery Pack Before "Sun Belt" Run ...

2008-10-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

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

The "Spirit of DC" is moving into "winter quarters" in Bisbee, AZ. And EVJerry is back at webblogging. Reason being is that Delaware Power Systems out of Vancouver, British Columbia, has offered the "Spirit" a state-of-the-art set of Li-ion battery pack plus charger ... and it'll be some time in January 2009, possibly February, before Robb Protheroe at PluginSupply.com can receive and integrate the new Li-ion battery pack into the PluginSupply.com system. ... Hence, that's the rationale for going into "winter quarters" so to speak! But more info on the "Spirit" and her anticipated EVentful activities below.

But Gads! I need to update since the last posting. Already, it's a week plus since the "Spirit" was at the "Kick Gas Festival" in San Diego! Thanks to former EVA of San Diego Presidential Couple, Bill and Lisa Hammons, the "Spirit" also did a special PHEV photo shoot on Thursday, 16 October 2008 ... before heading over to Phoenix for a visit to the 40th State Capital ... . And the "Spirit" had a special "Ride Along" -- Bisbee's own Donna Austin, who is the VP and Contact for the Borderland EVA - a most recent EAA Chapter. Donna works as the Program Coordinator for the Copper Queen Library in Bisbee.

After Donna's taking pixs of the "Spirit" in Phoenix, Arizona's capital on Friday, 17 October 2008, (the capital's on 17th Avenue & Washington just in case someone wants to view Arizona's finest), the "Spirit" was bound for Tucson. On Saturday morn, the "Spirit" with her Ride Alongs in tow met up Tucson EVA2 members for a "seeing is believing" show & tell at the regular TEVA2 meeting. TEVA2 was the 33rd sister EAA Chapter visited on the PHEV All Around America EVducational Tour.

Upon returning to Home Sweet Bisbee, the "Spirit" has been cooling her tires pretty much for a week or so ... with just local showings and quests for opportunity chargings -- St John's Episcopal Church, neighbors Fred Albert and Peter & Cindy Hermann, ALCO Store in the San Jose Shopping Center, and so on. One local showing was with the Cochise County Fleet Manager, Ruben Miranda, who is keenly interested in PHEVs, HEVs, and EVs.

EVJerry has been working to line up media EVents for the "Spirit." So far there's been radio interviews -- the Home Power Hour with Sustainable Jack and Solar Jim - a FM Low Power station out of Carroboro, and with Bisbee's own Ramses on KBRP 96.1 FM LP. The "Spirit" will be on a "seeing is believing" display at Bisbee's Farmers' Market at 9:00AM this coming Saturday.

Also, it's best to outline some of the planning going on for EVJerry and the "Spirit" per the denoting of "winter quarters" in quotation marks. Essentially, the "Spirit" will be busy in the Southwest -- there are these two workable PHEV3A EVents being projected: First, a "Tour de AZ" for visiting all 15 County Seats in AZ in order to serve as a State model for EAA Chapters to take on as in "PHEV All Around Florida" example; and, Second, a Southwest Run to visit with some dozen EAA California, one Nevada, and two Arizona EAA Chapters.

NOTE: This Arizona stayover will be done in and out of "winter quarters" in Bisbee ... while planning, organizing and coordinating the PHEV All Around America second half Finale - the Sun Belt Run whereby the "Spirit" makes it to eight more State Capitals en route -- New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama! And some half dozen or so remaining separate EAA Chapters to be visited.

SPECIAL NOTE: The expected date of arriving back in Washington, DC via the Amtrak Auto Train from Florida will be Earth Day in order to make the 5th EPA National Sustainable Design Exp0, right on the Capitol Mall, where the "Spirit of DC" was christened a year earlier.

EVen Hawaii and Alaska are being considered for the "Spirit of DC" while awaiting the new Li-ion batteries as part of her PHEV3A Evducational Tours. But further discussion is being held off until more info comes available from a trip to San Diego and a visit with US Navy Transportation personnel as well as from conversing with the Alaska Marine Highway System folks. Funding has been, is and remains a very major consideration in what's turning out to be the longest, largest, most extensive EVent in all of EAA History.

Now, on or about Monday, 3 November 2008, the "Spirit" is tripping back to San Diego, California, but with Nogales, Arizona on the radar screen; it's part of the Arizona County Run, and Nogales is the Santa Cruz County Seat. Then, it's on to Pima County Seat in Tucson and thereafter to Yuma for the 4th County Seat. That's about it for today webblogging. More later on about EVJerry's attending the Green Festivals in DC ... while the "Spirit" cools her tires in San Diego (see >

EVer from Bisbee, Arizona -

"Spirit" & EVJerry

Kick Gas Festival Video

2008-10-14T01:50:00.001-07:00

Pictures from the Kick Gas Festival

2008-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

Jerry and the Spirit of DC being the stars that they are.

<
EVADC Education Chair Jerry Asher, NEDRA Board Member Bryant Hall from Santa Rosa, CA, former EVAoSD President Bill Hammons, and NEDRA Board Member Chip Gribben from EVADC are shown giving "the finger" to EVAoSD President Joe Gottlieb on exactly where to place the next Electric Vehicle Association decal with EVAoSD lettering among the 30 plus EAA Sister Chapters already on the "Spirit of DC." These decals do mark each of the 50 plus EAA Chapters to be visited by the "Spirit" in her PHEV All Around America EVducational Tour.

Bill & Lisa Hammons, Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego

"Spirit of DC" at Luscious Garage for TLC

2008-10-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Cheeky Jerry Gets on TV in Chico

2008-10-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Spirit is a TV Star in Portland!!!

2008-10-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

The Spirit Goes Viral....

2008-10-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a list of places that have posted about Jerry Asher’s trip or they have linked to videos that have been posted. Can you say “viral.”

Personal Websites
www.evprogress.org
www.eevc.info

AOL
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/plug-in-hybrid-in-bismarck-nd-w-jerry-asher
phev-all-around-america-in-salt-lake
plug-in-prius-converted-with-extra-battary-pack

Autolust 10/05/08
Toyota_Prius/video

Boxxet
www.boxxet.com

Technorati
technorati.com
Dwg984nuto00
3D9aTRJnfwJL0

Ireport
www.ireport.com

News Articles
http://www.svherald.com/
www.uniondailytimes.com
www.wwaytv3.com

Radio and Pod Casts
EvCast.com Interview with Jerry Asher In Da House

Blogs
thelibertysphere.blogspot.com
diympg.wordpress.com
www.priusownersgroup.com
www.travelwebdir.com

Listservs
electricnevada.org
www.evdl.org/archive/index.html

Jerry Scores Another One in Salt Lake!!!

2008-09-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

What A PHEV Wednesday at Morningside Elementary School for the "Spirit of DC" ...!!! 23 September 2008 - PHEV Day 89.

2008-09-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

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

While the "Spirit of DC" is depending more and more on inputs from a number of folks, especially the EAA Chapter members being visited, EVJerr thought best to post an email (slightly edited)as sent to this extraordinary teacher, Mrs Patti White, in acknowledgment of "What a PHEV Wednesday!" at Morningside Elementary School in Salt Lake City, UT as set up by Brent & Kent Singleton of Utah EV Coalition (UEVC) as follows:

Cheers a AM, Patti, Heroine of Morningside Elementary!

What a Wednesday! What kids! Wave after wave. So delightful. The "Spirit" was EVer so pleased to meet so many kids who are solarly interested in the FuturEV. So neat to see Principal Brumley EVer so into this EVent set up by Brent & Kent Singleton, Utah EV Coalition ... with wonderful support from UEVC'rs: Kyle, Corry, Spencer, Matt and Carl.

The "Spirit" is looking forward to seeing pixs and maybe quite a few student narratives on the website:

www.SpiritofDC.com . . .

It's expected that Kent will do a write-up with pixs to forward to the newspapers here in Salt Lake City. Afterall, yesterday was a National EVent - the "Spirit of DC" Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle All Around America (PHEV3A) being hosted on a State level - the Utah EV Coalition, and attended at the green grassroots level by Morningside Elementary School's 300+ students with 14 teachers in tow! Simply serendipitously amazing!

Yet, if I understand correctly, the kids at Morningside Elementary also have a newspaper, so maybe the "Spirit" will see lots of extra press coverage in her PHEV3A trek. Who knows but maybe the your kids want to opt Kent and beat him to the press with a newspaper story of their own. Maybe even later, after some interaction with www.BestOutreach.com, there's EVen a bigger story -- kids building their own EVs at Morningside Elementary School!

Remember that this was the very first school that the "Spirit" has visited. You've all set a "Wow" standard! Also, keep a'tracking the "Spirit" by clicking on "MAP" as she goes down "Blue Highways" of America and Canada ... Driving Carefully (adding more meaning to the DC in the "Spirit of DC" as coined right there at Morningside!).

EVer with an upbeat heart,

"Spirit of DC" and EVJerry Asher - the "Ride Along" (202) 486-5450
[end of email sent]

Soon after a day of rest for the "Spirit" and an EVdventure out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, especially to view the flat scene and activities such as the Buckeye Bulle, the "Spirit" will moveth EVJerry on Friday, 26 September 2008 to Boise, Idaho - the 34th State Capital, ... then to Helena, Montana's capital ... and afterward to rendez vous with the Panhandle EVA of Idaho.

EVer,

"Spirit" and EVJerry

PHEV Day 87 - Monday, 22 September 2008. Denver Capital and the Rocky Mtns in Early Autumn Delight ... en route to Salt Lake City, Utah

2008-09-22T09:12:00.001-07:00

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

Graciously and thankfully, others such with Minnesota EAA and HbridFest.com have jumped in as PHEV3A team mates and played on the website. This has been SUPER! EVJerry is still "OBE" (overcome by email). Yet, today, Monday, either the first or second day of Autumn in the Rocky Mountains, and after a most refreshing stayover at Frank & Renee Lado' most hospitable home in Lakewood, a Denver suburb, EVJerry will endeavor to project out what's in store for the "Spirit of DC" in the next few hours and days.

First order of things is to visit the State Capital here in Denver, possibly with some news coverage. Next, in the early afternoon, the "Spirit" want to meet up with the Denver EV Council members (DEVC) - a former EAA Chapter (with a number of DEVC'rs still EAA Members) ... either in Denver, or over in Boulder at DEVC Prez, Graham Hill's work place - 21 Wheels.com. Hopefully, we can break tortilla chips or something ... before the "Spirit" moveth EVJerry along Highway 40 to Steamboat Springs ... Craig, CO en route to Salt Lake City, Utah and a rendez vous with Utah EV Coalition members on Wednesday. PLUS, it's expected that quite a number of kids in Patti White's class at the Morningside Elementary School are tracking the "Spirit" and her arrival around noon on the 24th of September.

Do endeavor to check forward and back on the blogs. Expectation is that others will be blogging in ... even posting pixs, too! NOTE: EVJerr's endeavoring to do a brief week in review so look for that as well.

EVer from a Lakewood Public Library,

"Spirit" & EVJerry (202) 486-5450

Jerry and the Spirit in Bismarck, North Dakota. Good Report

2008-09-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Go here to Visit the KFYR-TV's website to see the video.

Spirit of DC visits the Twin Cities, MNEAAEV

2008-09-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

After a visit to the capitol building in St. Paul, Jerry made his way over to Minneapolis and charged up the Prius batteries with solar generated electricity from the roof of Chris Born's garage. Believe it or not, this is the first time the Spirit has recharged with solar.
The original PV system was 4.1kw, completed in fall of 2003, which supplied about 85% of the electric needs of the house. About a year ago another 1.8kw was added to the system, specifically to charge an electric vehicle. Chris is about 1/3 of the way through the conversion process for a 98 S-10, and until the EV is operational, the panels are putting out substantially more power than is used in the house.
Several members of the local chapter of the EV Association came to welcome Jerry and learn about plug in hybrids. One of the members, John Seppanen, came in his ElectraVan. WCCO-TV (CBS) did a short report on the event. After 1.5 hours, the batteries were pretty well topped off and Jerry went a few miles to another event in Minneapolis. From there he headed up to visit Lee Hart.

The Spirit of DC in KC at MAEAA

2008-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday the MAEAA had it's monthly meeting and the Spirit visited us for a show and tell. It was great to meet Jerry and have dinner with him. He has lots of valuable information to share. We will try to post some pictures on the next post.
Our club web site is: http://www.maeaa.org/ Many of our club members will be driving their clean vehicles in the Overland Park Parade on September 27th event.
Submitted by Al Pugsley driver of an all electric Chevy S-10. Future plug in hybrid owner as I have a Prius and hope to buy a factory plug in within two years.

PHEV3A Space Reserved for HybridFest.com Folks - Eric Powers and Linda Weideman

2008-09-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, Jerry and everyone --

I've put the full-size pictures that I have from yesterday up on my MobileMe
gallery.

Click here for Pictures

It was great seeing you yesterday -- and a big THANK YOU for my first-EVer
PHEV run!

Safe travels--
Linda Weidemann
Hybrid Fest