Random Thoughts on Scooters and Charging Takeovers

...BMW is showing off its Mini Scooter electric motorbike at Paris Auto Show. In other recent occurrences, BMW started the StreetCar car sharing service in the UK. Its German luxury car competitor Daimler has also accessed car sharing in global markets, and will be launching an electric motor scooter. What does that tell you? Scooters and car sharing can bug car dealers, sales/marketing departments, shareholders, union workers, and others whose financial future depends on traditional car sales. Looking at alternatives such as scooters, car sharing, hybrids, EVs, and alt-fuel vehicles, is taken more seriously now than ever. My, how things are changing.

...The GE WattStation for EV charging was unveiled in July. Residential versions will cost between $1,000 and $1,500, while the commercial models seen in its ad will run between $3,000-$7,000 depending on order specifications (installation is extra). The first residential WattStations should be available before the end of 2010. The stand can handle Level 1 or 2 charging. Charging stations are being supplied by fairly new technology companies - Coulomb Technologies, AeroVironment, Clipper Creek, Better Place, ECOtality, etc. Now some big companies are taking it seriously, like Best Buy and General Electric. The game is changing, and partnerships, mergers, alliances, takeovers, and gone-out-of-business will occur.