Green Options » Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison Demonstrates Li Ion Battery with 180,000 Mile Lifespan

Andrew Williams — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:14:59 +0000

Battery provider Southern California Edison (SCE) has demonstrated a lithium ion battery with a lifespan of more than 180,000 miles, a major milestone in advanced battery performance that opens the door to a new generation of electric cars.

Since the average U.S. family car travels less than 15,000 miles each year, the battery could easily provide more than ten years service before it needs replacing. When you factor in the relatively low servicing costs of electric cars, this means that there is now a compelling case for such technology to power future plug-in vehicles.

Oregon to Build One of World’s Largest Wind Farms by 2012

Andrew Williams — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:29:33 +0000

Utility company Southern California Edison (SCE) has confirmed plans to build a massive 909 MW wind farm in Oregon. When completed, the facility will be one of the largest fully permitted wind power sites anywhere in the world.

The installation will be located in Morrow and Gilliam counties in North-Central Oregon, and will consist of 303 3MW wind turbines spread across a 30-mile radius. The project, called Caithness Shepherd’s Flat, will generate around two billion kWh of energy, roughly 10 per cent of SCE’s total alternative energy portfolio.

GM Preps for the Debut of the Plug-in Car by Wooing Electric Companies

Courtney Carlisle — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:45:32 +0000

In order to usher in the Chevy Volt, due out in 2010, General Motors is partnering with 30 utility companies across 40 states to ensure that the infrastructure to support the new model will exist. This is great news for the Toyota RAV4 drivers who have been driving electric cars for the last decade.

Of course, this new brand of plug-in cars, will still rely on fuel in addition to electricity unlike their predecessors. The hope, of course, is that gasoline use will only be on an “as-needed” basis, helping cut dependence on the pump.

GM will roll out the Chevrolet Volt and Saturn Vue as plug-in hybrids while competitors, including Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co., are working on versions of plug-in vehicles but have not yet released timing and specs.

LIke all changes in technology for the automobile, the plug-in’s success will depend on cooperation from other industries, including the utility companies and battery manufacturers since they will need a supply source. Austin Energy, a city-owned utility that serves the Texas capital, has decided to offer a $1,000 incentive to people who buy plug-in cars according to a Wall Street Journal article.

GM is hoping that other companies will follow suit and offer incentives, to help boost sales for the struggling car manufacturer.