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Steve Heckeroth's concern about the increasing cost and pollution caused by combustion vehicles dates back to the first Earth Day in 1970 when he fully understood the folly of fueling our entire economy from finite energy resources.
In 1990 encouraged by the California Zero Emission Program he started building electric vehicles. At the time lead acid batteries were the only cost effective way to store energy the energy needed to power electric vehicles. The weight of lead acid batteries was a very limiting factor in the range and function of electric cars. However because battery weight could be used to enhance traction in tractors Heckeroth focused his efforts on the production of small farm electric tractors.
Over the last 20 years he has built prototypes for Ford/New Holland, Agricultural Colleges, and other companies in Holland, Japan, India and Brazil. He currently uses 6 electric tractor prototypes on his homestead in Northern California and is consulting with major tractor manufactures.
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2012
20 Jan 2012
News from EV Japan in Tokyo
EV Japan is proceeding here in Tokyo with about 89 EV Japan stands in a massive set of co-located exhibitions of about 600 stands in all from lighting to home solar and mainly electronic and electric materials, components and systems. There are quite a few electric cars on display including the plug- in Prius, Tesla, Volt and many less known models and concepts. The one below promoted TORAY products.19 Jan 2012
SK Innovation and Continental to form automotive Li-ion battery JV
SK Innovation and Continental Corporation announced recently their intention to team up for powering electric vehicles worldwide: Both corporations sign a Heads of Agreement that describes the formation of a joint venture with which both companies want to develop, manufacture and market Lithium Ion battery systems for automotive applications.18 Jan 2012
Grant to give University of Utah transit buses of the future
A new federal grant aims to make the University of Utah home to first-in-the-nation transit buses of the future — electric shuttles that recharge without wires from underground pads while they wait for passengers.17 Jan 2012
Launch of Lola-Drayson electric racing car
Drayson Racing Technologies and Lola Group today unveil the much-anticipated electric-powered Le Mans prototype racing car, the Lola-Drayson B12/69EV.16 Jan 2012
Niche EVs at Brussels Motor Show
Of course, as markets mature, one can make excellent enduring profits as a niche player, not just as volume leader such as those Chinese e-bikes and scooters on display at very affordable prices of around Euros 1000 upwards but are those cheaper batteries safe?13 Jan 2012
21st century VW Beetle - E-Bugster
The name "E-Bugster" is a combination of "E" for electric, "Bug," the American nickname for the Beetle, and "speedster," which typically describes an open-top two-seater. The E-Bugster concept sports the typical speedster profile of shallow windows and a dramatically cut-down windshield.13 Jan 2012
Surprises at Brussels Motor Show
The 600,000 visitors to Brussels Motor Show this week will have some surprises if they look at the electric vehicles on display. World number one in electric vehicles, and specifically electric cars, Toyota, should be challenged by Honda, Ford and others in the pecking order but, on this evidence, it is pulling ahead.12 Jan 2012
Nanophosphate lithium ion batteries
A123 Systems to supply advanced lithium ion battery packs for extended-range electric trucks11 Jan 2012
Magnesium-ion battery funding
Pellion Technologies, an MIT spin-out company, will develop inexpensive high-energy-density rechargeable magnesium-ion batteries with the potential to disrupt current energy storage technologies for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.10 Jan 2012
The Battery500 Project
A century ago, more automobiles were powered by electricity than by gasoline. But the need for longer travel ranges, the availability of a more affordable fuel source and a reliable power infrastructure soon turned internal combustion engines into the predominant means of motor transportation.9 Jan 2012
OLEV technology to demonstrate Electronic Roadway in McAllen, Texas
McAllen project will demonstrate a zero emission green transportation solution, the effective use of enroute-charging technology to create an effective electronic roadway, as well as the cost-effective conversion of diesel buses to electric vehicles.6 Jan 2012
Palo Alto increases green initiatives
The city of Palo Alto is accelerating its green initiatives in a bid to cement its standing as a highly eco-friendly area according to a Palo Alto Online news report.5 Jan 2012
India buys more of the UK Electric Vehicle industry
They have a saying in India that the British Empire is coming back - only the headquarters will be in New Delhi this time.4 Jan 2012
N.E. Chemcat Corp. licenses Brookhaven Lab's electrocatalyst for EVs
N.E. Chemcat Corporation Licenses Brookhaven Lab's Electrocatalyst Technology for Fuel Cells in Electric Vehicles.3 Jan 2012
Kohl Department Stores to install EV charging stations
Kohl Department Stores will install ECOtality's EV charging stations in 14 locations nationwide to establish a rich EV charging infrastructure that encourages EV adoption.2 Jan 2012
Kia's new EV sounds like a petrol engine at low speed
Japan and the USA are considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in their newly released Kia Ray in order to anticipate the global industry's trend.2011
30 Dec 2011
Top invention for 2011 holds promise for 500 mile range for EVs
PolyPlus, a developer of high-energy, lithium metal batteries, has had its lithium battery named one of TIME Magazine's 50 best inventions for 2011.29 Dec 2011
Solar Impulse Project gains new sponsor
SunPower Corp has announced that the company is providing solar cells to the Solar Impulse project.28 Dec 2011
RUSNANO partner to make batteries
At first glance, Liotech's $413 million Siberian factory that plans to churn out a million batteries a year appears to be a showcase of Russian industry, innovation and expertise.27 Dec 2011
Future Australian trucking: silent and green
RMIT University researchers have developed Australia's first hydrogen fuel cell truck, demonstrating how vehicle design and new sustainable technologies can make freight transport clean, green and silent.