There’s still time to nominate local icons for Best of D.C.
Nov. 28–30
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
The Industry
sustainable transportation
The Attendees
400 business, government, and utility delegates examining cash-guzzling new technologies
The Issues
•The Gridlockmobile: The new Mini Cooper–sized ZENN (Zero Emission No Noise) low-speed electric vehicle costs about $12,500, powers up by plugging into standard electrical sockets, travels 35 miles on a single charge—but is restricted by law to 25 mph, since it lacks air bags. Asked why a D.C. resident should consider a ZENN, Feel Good Cars CEO Ian Clifford said, “It’s ideal for sitting in traffic.”
•Zero to Gusto: During a “Ride ’n Drive” for congressional staff and reporters, auto-company reps grew accustomed to being jerked around and rocketed through intersections as test-drivers discovered the high torque typical to newer electric and hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles.
•Roast Not: Temperatures that cause lithium-ion batteries to burst into flames merely melt the plastic housing of Altairnano’s NanoSafe nano-titanate battery cell.
•Location, No-cation: The Honda FCX hydrogen-fuel-cell four-seater’s computer impressively tracks hydrogen refueling stations. Less impressive: There’s only about 200 stations to track.—Rob Tierney
More Conventional Wisdom at washingtoncitypaper.com