This is the coolest news ever for those who realize the importance of America becoming more energy independent. Better Place is also engaged in a project in California in the cities of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose to do the same. I read about this in Jeff Wilson’s new Book The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW. I was enthralled but thought quite frankly that it was kind of futuristic. I was thrilled beyond belief when I read the news about the project in CA and now this. I am a huge fan of Better Place now. I would recommend anyone interested in seeing these projects furthered in our country go to the Better Place web site and sign up. They have a feature on the top right hand side that says “get involved” If you click on that you can actually sign an online petition. I would also suggest you check out Jeff Wilson’s new book. I say go Better Place show the way…and go Jeff Wilson for your new book.

The Governor of Hawaii in the Question and Answer part of this video states that,
Better Place will use ONLY renewable energy and NOT energy generated by Oil.
Shai AGassi was adamant that the whole purpose was NOT to use Oil and
Better Place would have no part of using Oil produced electricity.

http://www.betterplace.com/press-room/videos-detail/better-place-hawaii-joins-the-network-press-conference-12-02-08/

Shame on Greentech Media not to know that an EV running off of electricity generated by an oil fired power plant gets much better than 100 miles per gallon of gasoline effectively.
This is because of the much greater efficiency of a stationary power plant, the high efficiency of the power grid, and the high efficiency of an electric motor.

A Much Better, “Better Place” is Coming!

Project Better Place reflects a commendable vision “an oil-free future and a healthier, safer planet”. The program projects fully electric automobiles - with a battery swapping program as well as numerous recharge outlets. However, to the surprise of almost everyone, batteries may soon be technologically obsolete. When that occurs, all new cars and vehicles, of every conceivable variety, are likely to feature all-electric propulsion.

Hans Coler, a German inventor, demonstrated an electronic alternative to batteries in 1926. His work was examined by two teams of university professors. A distinguished scientist found there to be “no fraud, hoax or fault” involved. Coler stated that the magnet strength remained constant. Space, since the time of Paul Dirac, is believed by eminent scientists to be chock full of energy. Converting some of this energy, seemingly from nowhere, as well as a second new source of energy, is now the subject of new science and technology. The second source is ambient heat and reflects Maxwell’s interpretation of thermodynamic laws. Both open a path to powering our planet without the need for fossil fuels. They can replace the need for batteries of all sizes with a power source which maintains constant output and never needs to be recharged.

The ultimate application is the potential to turn parked cars into power plants. Equipped with fuel-free generators that produce perhaps an average of 100 kW - parking lots can be equipped so that power can be sold to the local utility. No physical connection will be necessary, as technology already exists that can wirelessly transmit up to 150 kW to the power grid. Car owners can be paid. Many vehicles may even pay for themselves over a reasonable period of time.Those who experience these changes will be living in a far better place.

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”  Arthur Schopenhauer

It is difficult to move forward if the cart is in front of the horse. Sources of renewable energy need to be developed before Better Place charging stations can be expected to provide non-fossil energy supplies.

I agree with Mark in that new technologies are coming along which may serve to supply power and I hope that we will not have to wait too long. Since Hawaii has ample sources of renewable power, at least for now, those sources should be developed.

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