The expectation of the plug-in hybrids such as the Volt to displace Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles is misinformed. Plug-in Hybrids are technically very complicated relying on high cost Li Ion battery technology and will be expensive as they slowly come into the market. The challenge to replace the commuter car will take many years we cannot afford to wait for. NEVs on the other hand are very simple using low cost proven technology at low cost to the consumer. The problem with getting wider acceptance of NEVs is not technology or safety but lack of political will as demonstrated by Mr. Kevin Falcon.
Today I can drive my Dynasty iT across the Washington border and travel on all roadways posted under 60 km/hr at speeds up to 55 km/hr. At the same time I am not allowed to even drive it on any roads in Delta where the car was built. Is the US more unsafe than Canada? Are these cars more unsafe than motorcycles or scooters or bicycles? -
Danny Epp, Tsawwassen
www.itiselectric.com

Vancouver is the perfect place for such a vehicle. I am a downtown Vancouver realtor, and these vehicles would be perfect for my uses. I never drive more than 90kmh, I NEVER leave the city and I never use the freeway. These vehicles need to be marketed to urbanites like the Mini is. These guys need a dealership in the middle of Yaletown and need to make these available to Zipcar and Cooperative Auto Network so people can see how good they can be!

Lee Valley has compost bags which would make the curbside composting easy to pick up and environmentally friendly! I've been waiting for this! Awesome!

Lee Valley has compost bags which would make the curbside composting easy to pick up and environmentally friendly! I've been waiting for this! Awesome!

What is a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)? It is critical that one understands what a NEV is and what it is not. The NEV is not required to satisfy highway-capable standards when that clearly is not the intention or legal requirement of the car.

The NEV meets or exceeds all safety standards of its low-speed vehicle class, as defined by Transport Canada. In November 2007, Transport Canada granted the ZENN use of the National Safety Mark enabling the ZENN to begin selling in Canada. There is a deliberate attempt to confuse the issue by constantly comparing the NEV to highway-capable passenger vehicles. The NEV was not designed to travel on 400 series highways and therefore does not have to meet the same high-speed collision requirements. Just as you would not expect a motorcycle, or scooter, bicycle or bus to meet the same safety standards as a passenger car, so too must a low-speed vehicle be held to the standards defined by its class.

In terms of vehicle class, the low-speed vehicle (LSV) has an exemplary safety record. Approximately 40,000 LSVs have been operating on public roads in the United States for nearly ten years without any evidence of safety problems. In fact, data from the National Traffic Highway Institute (NHTSA) found that there have been no fatalities associated with the use of LSVs in mixed-use environments since 1996 (when the data started to be collected). The LSV is among the safest classes of vehicles in operation in the United States. The admirable LSV safety record can be attributed to such things as:

- Better driver control and awareness at lower speeds
- Increased reaction time due to lower operating speeds
- Shorter braking distances
- General use of LSVs in lower speed applications, and that drivers of LSVs are fully aware of their operating design and drive them appropriately

The LSV also provides a significant increase in occupant protection when compared to other low speed transportation options in the marketplace such as bicycles and motorized scooters.

The relative position of the LSV in terms of road safety must also be understood to include increased protection for cyclists and pedestrians in the event of a collision with a lighter weight, slower moving low speed vehicle.

The fight for sustainability will be won or lost by those of us living in urban centres.

Denis Lang
Lang Motors - the electric car company
www.langmotors.ca

Hi Guys, I think rooftop food gardens in urban centers could be great on several levels.

Environmentally, these gardens reduce food miles, they reduce the urban heat island effect, and give city dwellers access to great fresh food.

From a development perspective it could be great because green roofs or rooftop gardens with the proper regulatory and insurance environment can be a way to reduces building costs and increase durability. (Plants never wear out!!)

Getting more green roofs has been tough for two reasons. One is the New Home Warranty Program (insurance) does not cover them yet and the City of Vancouver does not have a code for them yet. Once this is worked out we should see alot more of these rooftop gardens.

BTW What are peoples thoughts on the new community garden at Burrard and Davie?

Sure beats that gas station that was there!!