We have devoted this section of the site to allow EVPS management to offer their thoughts on industry-related issues. Check back periodically to find new articles from the management staff.
Apparently we are not the only ones frustrated by DOE allocation of funds for battery development and hybrid and electric technology demonstration programs. Good summary at Correction & Comments on Just-Announced Federal Grants. JRD 08/07/08
OK, call it sour grapes because we did not win a grant from DOE for our proposed demonstration program (press release). You cannot win them all nor do we expect to be fully funded by the government. But if you review the list of winners of DOE-FOA-0000026 and FOA 0000028, few seem to offer any real innovation. I wish DOE had written the description as "Please do not be innovative and think outside the box. Be conventional and tie to a company that already has received bailout money and proved it cannot innovate." With those instructions, EV Power Systems, and I am certain many other applicants, would have saved boatloads of time and effort. Hey, DOE and others in Washington, we're reasonably smart. Just make the rules clear so we know if we want to play.
Now, in fairness to some at DOE, we do have a meeting later this month to review the technology. Not sure of what will result but at least a review. In addition, the EV industry has been exposed to lots of scam artists. Not as many scam artists as Wall Street but enough to make one pause. Nevertheless, DOE complete some due diligence and give the entrepreneur with an innovative idea a chance. You cannot achieve breakthroughs without some risk. JRD, 5 Aug 2009, 1400.
Yes, I spent many years at GM, including the EV1 program. But the argument about whether we as taxpayers should support a domestic auto industry overlooks some critical issues, including development of technology and national security. Worth a read.
Glad to see it GM sticking with Volt. But as a play on a
Clinton campaign slogan, "It is not the batteries, stupid."
Don't get hung up waiting for lithium batteries. Go with
current technology and range extender. You can gain
market share.
Will offer links to others whom you might want to read. Right now focusing in building the business.