Siemens - Fjellstrand Electric Ferry

Gizmag has this piece about a very innovative ferry designed in Norway by Siemens and Fjellstrand that is entirely electric and which can be quick-charged in 10 minutes. This is a most interesting design that I hope will get sold more around the world. As a boy, I traveled from India to Sri Lanka by a steamship, the SS Irwin, which caught fire and had to be scrapped several years after I last went on it. In the USA, I have taken several ferries at different points in Southern Illinois. It would be great if this design (with its cleanliness and efficiency) could be introduced in many of the areas that are connected by ferry in this country. I am sure that there are other parts of the world where such a service would be very useful as well.

Video Review of the Think Car

I keep hoping that the Norwegian Think Electric car would be sold in the USA - it is somewhat expensive compared to a small gasoline car, but just imagine not having to worry about gasoline prices - ever. The Electric Aid group at Ning have an extensive video review at the following link: http://electricaid.ning.com/video/hd-testreview-of-the-think

Think have gone through a bad patch of late and almost closed down but were rescued by investors in Norway and Sweden. I have heard that some American groups were also interested in investing in it. My hat is off to those who are working to keep this dream alive. Check the video out - the car is simply too good to let die. And yes, if it were available in Chicago, I would put my money where my mouth is and buy one.

Electric Vehicle Sales Boom in Norway

Yes, the Norwegians make the Think, a car that they keep promising to launch in the USA but delay for some reason or the other. It turns out that the news isn't all that bad now - they have a boom in electric car sales in their country as Treehugger reports: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/norway-electric-car-sales-set-modest-record.php

With all of Ford's woes, they must be kicking themselves for not having held on to this company which they once owned. In any case, the fact that a major oil producing nation is experiencing an electyric car sales boom is something very positive. Here's wishing Think go from strength to greater strength along with other companies like the Kewet Buddy. Yes, this means just 200 cars sold, but any number is a good one. That is 200 fossil fuel cars less.

Why won't Tata sell the hybrid Indica in India?

Treehugger has this article about the new Tata Indica hybrid which goes on sale in Poland and Spain shortly: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/tata-indica-plug-in-electric-car-unveiled-bologna.php The Tatas are also planning to offer their electric Indica in Norway. Now why on earth are Indian car buyers being discriminated against? Come on, Tata! Sell these cars in India and save the country foreign exchange and also pollution.

In any case, I don't want to sound sour - for an Indian company to be ahead in this cutting-edge game is a fantastic thing. Congratulations!