Thanks to the fact that Tesla does not release monthly sales numbers, we actually don't know precisely how many electric vehicles were sold in the USA during 2013. But Green Car Reports does an excellent job of gathering and extrapolating data, and it calculates that electric vehicle sales were approximately 96,000 for all of 2013, a big jump from 53,000 in 2012.
Monthly sales of electric vehicles now are regularly above 9,000 cars and so are selling at an annual rate above 100,000. Sales in 2014 will almost certainly be higher than in 2013.
But how much higher will be impacted heavily by four factors--the price of gasoline, the deployment of public electric charging stations, pricing of electric vehicles, and the progress in extending electric vehicle range. The pricing of electric vehicles and their range depend substantially on battery advances. Those advances are being made but they are incremental when measured year-to-year.
In sum, 2013 was an important year for electric vehicles that saw more models introduced, more buyers, and better vehicles. The trend is up and 2014 promises to be another year of progress.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Record Fact: Nissan Leaf Has Record Sales In December and 2013, As It Challenges The Volt For Top EV Spot
This blog pays close attention to electric vehicle sales, because the electric vehicle revolution is one of the most important manufacturing, economic, environmental, and national security stories that is unfolding. No energy story is more important to America's future than getting off of oil and so oil substitutes and the products that use them are pivotal.
That brings us to the Nissan Leaf. It is an all-electric vehicle, one of the few cars that does not operate in some hybrid mode that includes a gasoline engine. The Leaf is also an American manufacturing story, as it is manufactured both in Tennessee and Japan.
While there are now 16 either all electric or plug-in hybrid models available for purchase, the Leaf is the leading all-electric vehicle that has about 21% of the combined electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid market. It, therefore, important to the electric vehicle revolution.
The Nissan Leaf had its best sales month ever in December, selling 2,529 cars. In all of 2013, Nissan sold 22,601 Leafs, up 126% from its 2013 sales total of 9,819.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089443_plug-in-electric-car-sales-for-2013-almost-double-last-years.
Indeed, the Leaf's big gains compare to the market leading Volt's approximately 2% sales decline in 2013. The combination of the Volt's flat sales and rising sales for the Leaf makes the Leaf the favorite to be in 2014 the EV sales leader.
The Leaf has a range of about 75 miles on a single charge, making it an ideal commuter car for many Americans, and costs between $21,000 to $26,000. Federal tax credits also are available.
http://www.nissanusa.com/electric-cars/leaf/.
Depending on you lifestyle and whether you have a second car, the Leaf just might be a great buy for you.
That brings us to the Nissan Leaf. It is an all-electric vehicle, one of the few cars that does not operate in some hybrid mode that includes a gasoline engine. The Leaf is also an American manufacturing story, as it is manufactured both in Tennessee and Japan.
While there are now 16 either all electric or plug-in hybrid models available for purchase, the Leaf is the leading all-electric vehicle that has about 21% of the combined electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid market. It, therefore, important to the electric vehicle revolution.
The Nissan Leaf had its best sales month ever in December, selling 2,529 cars. In all of 2013, Nissan sold 22,601 Leafs, up 126% from its 2013 sales total of 9,819.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089443_plug-in-electric-car-sales-for-2013-almost-double-last-years.
Indeed, the Leaf's big gains compare to the market leading Volt's approximately 2% sales decline in 2013. The combination of the Volt's flat sales and rising sales for the Leaf makes the Leaf the favorite to be in 2014 the EV sales leader.
The Leaf has a range of about 75 miles on a single charge, making it an ideal commuter car for many Americans, and costs between $21,000 to $26,000. Federal tax credits also are available.
http://www.nissanusa.com/electric-cars/leaf/.
Depending on you lifestyle and whether you have a second car, the Leaf just might be a great buy for you.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Stunning Fact: US Solar Installer Now Has $4.9 Billion Market Value
You know the stereotype. The solar business, especially solar installation, is a small, almost cottage industry. Time to think again.
Solar City is America's largest solar installation business that has 80,000 customers and a stock capitalization value of $4.9 billion, according to an excellent NYT story that follows.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/04/business/energy-environment/solar-power-craze-on-wall-st-propels-start-up.html?_r=0.
The NYT reports that Solar City's stock has increased 7-fold, but notes that the company has revenues but no profits to date. Time will tell whether or not the stock market has gauged accurately Solar City's future. This company may or may not be successful.
No matter the fate of Solar City, the stock market understands correctly that the solar boom is real and just getting started. This industry's US sales are going to double and possibly triple during the next 3 to 5 years. That industry boom gives companies of all sizes in the solar installation business a great opportunity to turn a profit.
Solar City is America's largest solar installation business that has 80,000 customers and a stock capitalization value of $4.9 billion, according to an excellent NYT story that follows.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/04/business/energy-environment/solar-power-craze-on-wall-st-propels-start-up.html?_r=0.
The NYT reports that Solar City's stock has increased 7-fold, but notes that the company has revenues but no profits to date. Time will tell whether or not the stock market has gauged accurately Solar City's future. This company may or may not be successful.
No matter the fate of Solar City, the stock market understands correctly that the solar boom is real and just getting started. This industry's US sales are going to double and possibly triple during the next 3 to 5 years. That industry boom gives companies of all sizes in the solar installation business a great opportunity to turn a profit.
Fun Fact: 1 of America's 220 Biodigesters Is Fueled By 1,000 Pound PA Farm Show Butter Sculpture
Renewable energy has many strengths because it is diverse and flexible, with zero or low-cost fuel. Another strength is renewable energy can be built at homes, businesses, and farms.
Distributed generation is proliferating across America and uses a variety of technologies from solar to biodigesters on farms. As of 2013, 220 biodigesters were operating on farms across America. In 2012, they generated 625 million kilowatt-hours, enough power for 62,500 homes.
http://www.epa.gov/agstar/about-us/accomplish.html.
Biodigesters need fuel. In Pennsylvania, that fuel includes a sculpture made from 1,000 pounds of butter that is a feature of the annual Farm Show. Once the show ends, the sculpture is taken to a Pennsylvania farm with a biodigester, where the butter provides 3 days of energy for the farm.
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2014/01/02/how-art-becomes-energy-the-fate-of-the-farm-shows-1000-pound-butter-sculpture/.
Another example of booming renewable energy is biodigesters proliferating at a rapid rate, increasing more than 20% since 2011, when 180 were operating.
http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/biogas.asp.
Going forward, a great opportunity to improve farming and our environment is to accelerate the deployment of biodigesters.
Distributed generation is proliferating across America and uses a variety of technologies from solar to biodigesters on farms. As of 2013, 220 biodigesters were operating on farms across America. In 2012, they generated 625 million kilowatt-hours, enough power for 62,500 homes.
http://www.epa.gov/agstar/about-us/accomplish.html.
Biodigesters need fuel. In Pennsylvania, that fuel includes a sculpture made from 1,000 pounds of butter that is a feature of the annual Farm Show. Once the show ends, the sculpture is taken to a Pennsylvania farm with a biodigester, where the butter provides 3 days of energy for the farm.
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2014/01/02/how-art-becomes-energy-the-fate-of-the-farm-shows-1000-pound-butter-sculpture/.
Another example of booming renewable energy is biodigesters proliferating at a rapid rate, increasing more than 20% since 2011, when 180 were operating.
http://www.nrdc.org/energy/renewables/biogas.asp.
Going forward, a great opportunity to improve farming and our environment is to accelerate the deployment of biodigesters.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Sun Power: California Doubles Rooftop Solar Capacity In 2013!
In the 30 plus years up to 2012, California installed about 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity. Then, Kaboom!
Last year, California installed another 1,000 megawatts of rooftop, distributed solar, more than doubling it, in just 12 months to a total of 2,000 megawatts.
http://solarindustrymag.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.13637.
According to the California Solar Energy Industries Association, California now has more than 4,000 megawatts of combined utility-scale and rooftop solar capacity. Totally amazing!
Last year, California installed another 1,000 megawatts of rooftop, distributed solar, more than doubling it, in just 12 months to a total of 2,000 megawatts.
http://solarindustrymag.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.13637.
According to the California Solar Energy Industries Association, California now has more than 4,000 megawatts of combined utility-scale and rooftop solar capacity. Totally amazing!
Stunning Fact: North Dakota Ranks First But Pennsylvania Ranks 48th In Population Growth
Both Pennsylvania and North Dakota have fracking booms, but only one has a booming population.
North Dakota ranks first in population growth in 2013, according to new data from the United States Census Bureau. Its population is up 3.1%, the most in the nation, or 22,000.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/12/30/census-north-dakota-south-and-west-adding-population-fastest/.
Unlike North Dakota to which people are flocking, Pennsylvania ranks 48th in population growth during 2013, though Pennsylvania now ranks second in natural gas production.
Pennsylvania's population barely grew at all, up less than 0.1% or 9,000 people.
http://articles.mcall.com/2013-12-30/news/mc-pa-census-population-growth-sidebar-20131230_1_population-growth-growth-rate-lags.
The longer that Tom Corbett serves as Governor the worse Pennsylvania's jobs and population performance is. That is a stunning fact. And why is it so?
The Governor does not understand our economy or energy. He does not grasp that gas drilling will never provide much more than 2% of the 6.5 million jobs the state needs to be at full employment. His economic vision insures failure.
For Pennsylvania to grow and prosper, Pennsylvania must strongly regulate, zone, and tax the gas industry. For Pennsylvania to grow and prosper, Pennsylvania must have a jobs plan that features more than one industry. Health care, education, clean energy, tourism, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing must be prospering for Pennsylvania to prosper and grow!
North Dakota ranks first in population growth in 2013, according to new data from the United States Census Bureau. Its population is up 3.1%, the most in the nation, or 22,000.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/12/30/census-north-dakota-south-and-west-adding-population-fastest/.
Unlike North Dakota to which people are flocking, Pennsylvania ranks 48th in population growth during 2013, though Pennsylvania now ranks second in natural gas production.
Pennsylvania's population barely grew at all, up less than 0.1% or 9,000 people.
http://articles.mcall.com/2013-12-30/news/mc-pa-census-population-growth-sidebar-20131230_1_population-growth-growth-rate-lags.
The longer that Tom Corbett serves as Governor the worse Pennsylvania's jobs and population performance is. That is a stunning fact. And why is it so?
The Governor does not understand our economy or energy. He does not grasp that gas drilling will never provide much more than 2% of the 6.5 million jobs the state needs to be at full employment. His economic vision insures failure.
For Pennsylvania to grow and prosper, Pennsylvania must strongly regulate, zone, and tax the gas industry. For Pennsylvania to grow and prosper, Pennsylvania must have a jobs plan that features more than one industry. Health care, education, clean energy, tourism, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing must be prospering for Pennsylvania to prosper and grow!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The Top Ten Energy Facts Of 2013
These are remarkable energy times, with tremendous change rapidly taking place, creating environmental and economic winners and losers. In the USA, renewable energy and energy efficiency are rising rapidly. Yet, the biggest change of all is in the carbon concentration of our atmosphere.
In one post, here are The Top Ten Energy Facts Of 2013:
10. Electricity Demand Falls In 5 Of Last 6 Years
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy.html
9. Gas Industry Flares 30% Of Gas In North Dakota
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy.html
8. New York City's Air Is Cleanest In 50 Years, Saving 800 Lives Per Year
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy.html
7. Nuclear Power Production Falls Below 2010 Peak For Third Year In A Row
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy_27.html
6. Marcellus Gas Provides 18% Of America's Gas
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy_27.html
5. Electric Car Sales Breakthrough To 100,000 Plus
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy_27.html
4. Plummeting Solar Costs Build 5,000 Megawatts Of Solar In US & 35,000 Globally
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts.html
3. Wind Power Becomes Cheapest Energy Source In Growing Parts Of America
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts.html
2. Atmospheric Carbon Concentration Passes 400 PPM, Highest In 800,000 Years
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts_31.html
1. Coal Is World's Fastest Growing Fossil Fuel, Usage Rising 2.3% Per Year
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts_31.html
In one post, here are The Top Ten Energy Facts Of 2013:
10. Electricity Demand Falls In 5 Of Last 6 Years
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy.html
9. Gas Industry Flares 30% Of Gas In North Dakota
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy.html
8. New York City's Air Is Cleanest In 50 Years, Saving 800 Lives Per Year
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy.html
7. Nuclear Power Production Falls Below 2010 Peak For Third Year In A Row
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy_27.html
6. Marcellus Gas Provides 18% Of America's Gas
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy_27.html
5. Electric Car Sales Breakthrough To 100,000 Plus
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-10-most-important-energy_27.html
4. Plummeting Solar Costs Build 5,000 Megawatts Of Solar In US & 35,000 Globally
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts.html
3. Wind Power Becomes Cheapest Energy Source In Growing Parts Of America
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts.html
2. Atmospheric Carbon Concentration Passes 400 PPM, Highest In 800,000 Years
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts_31.html
1. Coal Is World's Fastest Growing Fossil Fuel, Usage Rising 2.3% Per Year
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/12/counting-down-top-10-energy-facts_31.html
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