United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) announced that the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project (HEVDP) will receive $1.6 million for three Hawaii projects. These Fiscal Year 1999 funds from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense, along with $2.9 million in matching contributions from HEVDP's participating organizations, are being used by HEVDP for the initiatives.
"Hawaii is well on the way to becoming the first EV ready state," Akaka announced. "The 50th State is the ideal starting line for electric vehicles. Our success will jump start a national trend for electric vehicles."
HEVDP is one of seven regional consortia participating in DOD's Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Program. The program is being transferred to the DOT's Advanced Vehicle Technologies Program this fiscal year. Senator Akaka secured funding to maintain the program during this transition year.
The projects funded are:
1. EV READY STATE - PHASE 2
HEVDP initiated the EV Ready State project in 1998–with the goal of making Hawaii the first state to be EV Ready with rapid charging infrastructure. The program is a joint venture with the Hawaiian Electric Company and Hawaii Electric Vehicles, Inc. A network of rapid chargers, manufactured by AeroVironment, is being installed throughout Hawaii. The rapid charging infrastructure will allow motorists anywhere in the state to charge their electric vehicles in less than 10 minutes.
In Phase 1 of the program, the first nine of 18 raid chargers were procured for installation on Oahu. Phase 2 completes the purchase and installation of the remaining nine chargers. Phases 3 and 4 will bring rapid charging stations to Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties. Hawaii Electric Vehicles, Inc. and Hawaiian Electric are procuring and installing the chargers. Electricore, an electric vehicle industry consortium, is coordinating with auto manufacturers for rapid charge-configured vehicles to participate in the demonstration of the technology.
2. ELECTRIC TRAM FOR HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
U.S. Electricar, Inc. will design, engineer, and construct a three-module, battery-powered, zero-emission, electric-drive tram for use as a people-mover at airports, malls, and amusement parks. The design is ideally suited for transporting the general public over short distances. The tram features a battery-powered electric-drive lead module pulling two non-powered trailing modules. The three-module tram will accommodate 100 passengers and their carry-on luggage. It has a low floor for ease of loading and unloading, handicap access, and rapid charge capability. This pilot project proposes development and construction of three module trams for demonstration at Honolulu International Airport.
3. BATTERY CYCLE LIFE PREDICTION
Since 1996, the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) at the University of Hawaii and the Penn State University have been studying electric vehicle battery performance. Their research will help to accurately predict battery behavior during charging and discharging for various types of batteries, from a single cell to a complete pack. Funds will be used to develop a reliable, computable, and fast predicting tool for battery cycle life for EV applications. The project's goal is development of an accurate model to describe the deterioration and failure processes and their effect on battery life and long-term performance. Techniques and modeling capability developed will improve cycle life performance, reduce the cost of EV batteries, and alert EV owners when a battery needs to be recharged or replaced before it is completely discharged or fails.
The Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project, established in 1993 by the High Technology Development Corporation, pursues research and development for electric and hybrid vehicles. The program's objective is to research and demonstrate enabling technology that is dual use, addressing both military and commercial applications. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) was instrumental in creating HEVDP and securing funds to encourage electric vehicle development.
For more information on HEVDP, contact Thomas Quinn, Director, at (808) 594-0100.
