Electric Vehicles 101: A Blog Introduction

I'm Eric Johnson and this is a blog on electric vehicles and related subjects -- i.e. batteries, charging stations, maintenance, etc.

My expertise is in two and three wheeled vehicles -- bicycles, motorcycles -- but I will also touch on cars and trucks when I see fit or see something that I think you will find interesting.

The goal here is an expansion of the awareness of the options available to the everyday consumer, and hopefully dispelling the myths surrounding this “alternative” method of transportation. (The range is not sufficient for my use, coal fired electrical generation plants make electricity “dirtier” that combustion engines, etc.)

This field is rapidly expanding, from radical new battery technology to highly efficient motors to new methods of cooling to keep your vehicle running at its peak performance. While I am involved in the business every day, I may not have the “latest and greatest” information memorized. I will do my best to provide you with accurate and timely information from a variety of sources that I consider to be reliable -- more people who are involved on a daily basis, as well as trade organizations -- salted with my own commentary and opinions. Remember, these are my opinions, and I am entitled to them, just as you are entitled to yours. I will try not to hold it against you if you do the same.

Here’s a little background on me:

I have been actively involved in renewables since 1986. First working for large corporations as a salesman focused on renewable/recycled products and successfully developing markets for products like formaldehyde free medium density fiberboard, wood I-joists, and composite decking. Later, working as an independent consultant helping companies “Green Up” their business practices and product lines, I became well versed in biofuels (specifically biodiesel, ethanol and bio-methane) and gained some international business experience.

It was a fateful trip to Disneyland in 1998 that opened my eyes to the future of transportation. On this trip I was able to ride on a short lived attraction called Rocket Rods.  I was awakened to the raw power of an electric motor with the rapid acceleration and deceleration that allowed these five passenger vehicles to negotiate the refurbished “People Mover” track, formerly a 16-minute ride, in a mere 3 minutes! There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of the silent, neck snapping torque you get from an electric powered vehicle.

In 2008, with gas prices climbing to over $5 a gallon, I sensed that the public may be ready for electric vehicles, so I opened a retail store -- Green Wheelin’ in Walnut Creek -- that focuses on electric bicycles, mopeds and scooters, fusing together my love for two wheeled vehicles and the environment. Today, this self-proclaimed “Speed Junkie” evangelizes the virtues and just plain fun of these amazing rides!

In my next blog entry, I will talk a bit about electric bicycles and how people are using them for their daily commutes and recreational purposes.

Thank you for reading this entry and I sincerely hope you will return to enjoy future posts!