France

Electric refuse trucks to roll out in Paris next year

17:43 December 27, 2010

The 26-ton electric refuse truck is powered by five strings of seven interchangeable batte...

All of the different places I've lived in have had one thing in common – an early morning wake up call when the refuse truck appears in the street. Any move to make such things a little quieter is very welcome indeed, and if it benefits the environment too, then that's another tick in the plus column. Dow Kokam and PVI have announced that a fleet of much less noisy electric refuse trucks is to be rolled out in 2011 by SITA Ile de France, offering similar power and performance levels as their fossil-fueled counterparts. Read More

AERO GIZMO

New eco-marathon for energy-efficient light aircraft

By Tannith Cattermole

21:26 July 1, 2010

1 Comment

4 Pictures

The Sunseeker uses an alternative energy source

A new annual competition in Vichy, France will take place for the first time this July in order to develop and bring attention to sustainable energy-economy in the motorized ultralight aircraft (ULM) industry. Calling to mind the wacky inventiveness of the Red Bull Flugtag, the Eco Marathon ULM aims not to achieve furthest flight through human power, but by the least possible fuel, and the competitors will undoubtedly hope to amaze more than amuse. Read More

ECOGIZMO

France to spend US$2.2 billion on network of electric car charging stations

By Jeff Salton

19:15 October 11, 2009

Electric vehicle charging stations similar to this one are expected to populate parking lo...

As France’s car-makers push their plans to increase sales and give motorists more electric and hybrid-powered vehicle choices, the French Government has added its support by announcing it intends to spend €1.5 billion (about US$2.2 billion) on creating a battery-charging network for electric vehicles across the country. Part of its spend will also go towards further encouragement of clean vehicle technology and battery manufacturing. Read More