Important Innovations

  World First From the Netherlands & Australia                                             Source:  Studio MOM LAVO   Hydrogen, Solar Powered Battery, Studio MOM E-Bike Dutch e-bike manufacturer Studio MOM  and hybrid hydrogen battery maker LAVO of Australia have invented a world first - a hydrogen powered electric bike that can transport heavy cargo over long distances.  MOM says the hydrogen battery is much lighter than lithium-ion batteries typically used in e-bikes.  As a result, the cargo bike can carry heavier loads for longer distances with zero emissions. Breakthrough Battery Technology The LAVO hydrogen battery, developed at the University of New South Wales, uses solar energy to distill hydrogen from water.  The hydrogen is absorbed into a patented metal hydride and converts into battery power.  The e-bike is the first commercial application of the battery.  MOM integrates the battery into the bike's modular frame that comes together like legos New Green Travel on Gre

  New FORM Solar Camping Pod                                                  Source:  FORM Green Camping The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most anticipated electric pickup trucks of the decade.  Its bold design, speed, range and strong steel body have been heavily promoted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.  The delivery date is promised for 2022.  Now, thanks to a California startup composed of industrial designers and engineers, it has a new capability as a solar camper with a solar camper pod called FORM. FORM Form is a revolutionary camper made of carbon fiber that is compatible with all types of truck beds including the Ford F-150 Lightning and the radically designed Cybertruck.  The company says it has maximum strength and durability with its carbon fiber shell enhanced with aluminum honeycomb material.  It attaches to the truck and fits between the sides of the pickup bed.  The pod has a full extension system that turns the truck into a tiny green powered home.  It weighs 1000 pounds and

  24/7 Clean Energy Source From Space                                   Source:  Caltech Solar Space Project Wireless Energy Transfers Beamed From Space The concept is brilliant and it goes back to the 19th century when the great innovator Nikola Tesla mused about a "wireless energy transfer".  Now in the 21st century, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) researchers are developing a system of wirelessly beaming solar energy from outer space to Earth.  They envision the launch of huge numbers of tiny solar panels into outer space where the Sun never sets.  The panels would beam back to Earth solar energy 24/7.  It has the potential of being a game changing source of clean, green energy for worldwide distribution.  According to lead researcher Michael Kelzenberg of Caltech, the unique beauty of space solar power is its ability to deliver huge quantities of solar energy both day and night. Testing Starts in 2022 Space solar power is not a dream for the distant future. 

  The Netherlands' SEV Lightyear One                                             Source:  Lightyear One Revolutionary Green Driving Technology Experts say that in the future solar EVs (SEV) will need to charge only once a year.  A precursor of that green future is the Netherland's Lightyear One SEV.  The car can drive for months without needing a recharge.  The Dutch company Lightyear has successfully conducted a number of durability test runs which have demonstrated that the current model-prototype can be driven for months without a plug-in.  This development is a big boost for the sustainability of solar EVs and provides tremendous flexibility for the driver with no concerns and range anxiety about the frequent need to recharge the SEV. Highly Efficient and Durable Vehicle According to Lightyear, Lightyear One uses only 83 Wh/km.  That is three times less than any other EV on the road today.  The solar panels on the vehicle's roof and hood charge it at a rate of 12 km per

  Toyota's New Push to Bring Solar Powered Vehicles into Lineup                                             Source:  Toyota Mix of Zero Emissions Vehicles Coming From Toyota Toyota has made a new commitment to equipping its cars with highly efficient solar power systems and batteries.  It's embarking on an R&D partnership with Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, which has strong expert in renewable energy production.  Also joining the partnership is Toyota Central R&D which focuses on breakthrough technological advances for Toyota.  Toyota is showcasing its Toyota bZ4X concept, which is an electric vehicle with solar panels that feed an onboard solar charging system to extend the vehicle's range. bZ stands for "below zero" emissions and 4X for four wheel drive, which Toyota claims gives the vehicle off-road capabilities. This is a major Toyota concept now under development. Toyota is pushing in a strongly zero emis

  Latest & Most Exciting Zero Emissions Cars, Planes & More Under Development Globally                                        Source:  Amazon  ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09J1N32PB Brand New Book on Amazon Edward Kane's latest book "Our Next Green Travel Vehicles" profiles the latest and most exciting zero emissions cars, planes, bikes and more under development globally for clean, green travel.  The book is available on Amazon as an e-book, paperback and hard cover.  To take a look inside, go to  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B09J1N32PB&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_3ABTYANVK5VT52PKQHKW   I co-authored the book with Ed.

  Hydrogen-Electric, Zero Emissions Sea Travel                                               Source:  Lazzarini's Shape From Italy, Brand New Superyacht This is the most unique, zero emissions, hydrogen electric travel concept that you've probably ever encountered.  It's a superyacht from the prestigious Italian design firm Lazzarini which is known for game-changing, design innovations in yachts and other vehicles.  This yacht called Shape is 226 feet long and has a huge hole in the middle of the vessel.  A yacht shaped like this one has never been created before.  It is designed to provide the most luxurious approach to sea travel.  Most importantly, this beautiful seagoing design is powered by an advanced propulsion system that is fueled by hydrogen and solar panels on the roof to generate electricity to power the ship. Why Is There a Hole in the Middle of the Ship? The arc or hole in the middle of the ship is totally customizable to the preferences of the buyer.  There i

  The Squad Car for $6,800                                             Source:  Squad Mobility Dutch Startup Squad Mobility Amsterdam based, Dutch startup Squad Mobility is taking pre-orders for its new electric, solar powered car - the Squad car.  It is a small, 2 seat EV designed for city driving.  The maximum speed is 28 mph.  It's about the size of a golf cart.  And, like a golf cart, it doesn't require a driver's license or a helmet. Tiny & Green The vehicle is small:  6.5 feet by 4 feet.  Three Squad cars can fit into a regular parking space.  Charged just on sun for a day, it has a range of 12 miles.  The developers say it doesn't require full sunshine to charge, which can be inconsistent in the Netherlands and in many other locations.  For longer trips, the car has a battery that can charge on a regular wall outlet.   Production Schedule In Europe, production of the car is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2022.  It can be pre-ordered in Europe for 50 euros (

   From China, a Solar Powered, 3 Wheel Car Source:  Alibaba Price Is Right on the Tuk Tuk China's technology and e-commerce giant Alibaba has developed and is selling a solar powered electric car that operates on 3 wheels and has zero emissions.  It's a new form of personal mobility to navigate, particularly urban areas, at speeds up to 30 mph.  The most refreshing feature of the EV is the price - $1,691.  It's called the Tuk Tuk trike and some are calling it an auto rickshaw. Solar Driving The roof of the vehicle is covered with solar paneling.   The EV generates 300 watts of energy as its drives along in the sunshine.  The battery is a 60V 45Ah unit.  A full day of sun can give the vehicle a nearly complete charge of the 12.7 kWh pack.  There is also a standard roof, electric motor model available.  The vehicle can carry 6 to 8 passengers with 2 seats in the front and 2 benches in the back that are capable of seating 4 adults or 6 small children.  The vehicle is availabl

  Rise of Solar Power                                   Source:  Stock Image of Solar Panels A Greener World According to the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol, solar is the "new king of the world's electricity markets".  In its annual World Energy Outlook, the IEA forecast that solar power will overtake coal as the largest means of energy production in 2025. Solar vs Coal The question is how did the world reach this green turn of events?  The answer is that in many countries, solar power is now cheaper than coal and gas.  Also, a number of nations have set strong targets to cut emissions and reduce fossil fuel use.  And, solar projects have become less expensive to manufacture and install. Fast Forward The IEA projects that over the next ten years, renewable energy will equal 80% of new power generation.  However, there is one big need to support the switch to renewable energy:  an investment of at least $460 billion in energy grids

Super Yacht Powered by the Sun Source:  Nemesis Yachts One Autonomous Wing Sailing  Nemesis Yachts has created the ultimate solar powered, autonomous super yacht - the Nemesis One - with zero emissions.  The yacht is powered by the sun, propelled by electric and hydrogen energy and is totally autonomous.  The company says it is the world's first high speed, autonomous, hydrofoil luxury catamaran.  It operates silently with no fumes and no emissions.  This concept is a breakthrough piece of ocean sailing technology, incorporating solar, hydrogen and electric energy breakthroughs. Zoom in on Specifics The yacht is huge: 332 feet in length and the hi-tech, automated sail is 292 feet high.  It has a cruising speed of 35 knots and top speed of 50 knots.  It is zooms through the ocean by autonomous hydrofoils and the autonomous wing sail. There are different interior modular configurations that can be removed for instance to go into an ultra light racing mode. Automatically Adjusting Win

US Space Force & USAF X-37B Space Plane Mission Source:  MIT Technology Review Launch Date Sunday May 17, 2020 The US Space Force & USAF's next top secret mission of its unmanned, robotic, long duration, X-37B space plane is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida tomorrow.  It will hurtle into space onboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for what is now being called the US Space Force's OTV-6/USSF-7 mission. This is another secret mission for one of the most fascinating space planes in the universe. Green, Solar Powered, Space Plane The X-37B is an unpiloted, long distance, long duration flight spacecraft.  It flies classified missions that can last months and even years for the US military.  It is a green machine that's powered by a solar array that's the size of a pickup truck and embedded inside the space plane. Tremendous Technology The technology is incredible. There are 2, X-37B space planes built by Boeing.  The wi

New Green Tech from Europe Source: Platio Solar Charging - Green Plus Green From Europe, there's a new technology first. A European Union funded company, Platio of Budapest, Hungary, has just installed the world's first solar driveway for residential use.  The technology and environmental concern behind this new green energy technology is extraordinary. Pavers The system consists of interlocking units called Patio Solar pavers.  Each paver is made from 400 recycled PET  plastic bottles.  According to Platio, the  pavers are more durable than concrete. Multi-Functional You can use the solar driveway pavers for energy to power your electric car.   Or the energy generated by the driveway  can be fed back into your home's power network to provide electricity to your home.  The company claims a 20 square meter driveway will cover the yearly energy consumption for the average residential property.   The pa

Green Tech Investments Up 28% in US 2019, a Record Source:  Wind, Solar Energy Stock Image Wind and Solar Lead the Way Despite the Trump Administration's views on Climate Change and renewable energy, US companies broke records in their investments in green technology in 2019.  Investments hit $55.5 billion, which is up 28%.  That catapulted the US to second place in renewable energy investments behind China, whose financial bet on renewables fell 8% to $83 billion. Clearly, China remains the far ahead leader in pushing renewables.  Europe's renewable energy investments fell 7% to $54 billion, right behind the US. Interestingly, Brazil's financial investment soared by 74% to $6.5 billion.  The data was collected by Bloomberg. New Green Energy Technologies The big investment push in the US for new renewable energy technologies and expansions is by wind and solar energy companies.  They're rushing to qualify for federal tax credit that end later this year.  The

Sustainable Listening: JBL Reflect Eternal Wireless Headphones Source:   JBL Totally Green Sound from Light The Reflect Eternal headphones from JBL generate power to operate from the natural light of the Sun and from artificial light.  The self-charging headphones contain solar-charging material, Powerfoyle from Exeger, that is built into the headband.  The material transforms light into free, sustainable energy. The headphones need only two hours of sun per day to provide 168 hours of listening.  The headphones can be used indoors and outside and can recharge on artificial light. Crowdfunding for Consumer Input JBL is attempting to develop the Reflect Eternal headphones by collaborating directly with consumers by engaging them in crowdfunding on Indiegogo through January 14, 2020.  They want to determine the level of consumer interest in such a green, sustainable product and then fine-tune the product from input.  JBL is a long established audio company with products lik

Australia's FrogPhone for Science Source:  University of  New South Wales & University of Canberra FrogPhone Science Calls to Remotely Monitor the Environment This new innovation is a call for science. Australian researchers have developed the FrogPhone system, which once installed at a frog pond location,enables scientists to call in on their cell phones and remotely  listen in on frogs in the wild.  Why is that important?  It provides great access and data to monitor the health of the environment.  Frogs are widely recognized as one of the best barometers of how healthy local environments are.  The FrogPhone is a novel device and a technological first. Frogs and the Quality of the Surrounding Environment The FrogPhone allows scientists to call a frog screening site and monitor the frogs, real-time, in nature.  This is the world's first solar powered device that provides environmental data via text while conducting real-time sound surveys over the phone.  The

Motosola Solar Canopy Source:  Motosola Solar Biking The Motosola solar canopy mounted on top of an electric motorcycle charges the battery of an electric bike by solar energy. In Asia, canopies on bikes are common to protect the riders from the sun.  Motosola has taken that concept to a new level by inventing a canopy that's essentially a solar panel to pull in and utilize the energy of the sun to charge electric vehicles.  The system consists of the canopy and a charge inverter.  It's available as a 100 W or 150 W system.  The company's prototype system in Shenzhen, China has been driven for more than three months without needing any recharge.  The solar system has been sufficient to keep the batteries charged. Green, Clean Biking The company says that the system can generate up to 1.5kWh of electricity per day whether the bike is being ridden or it's parked.  It's said to be easy to install and compatible with most motorbikes.  When parked th