Tag Archives: Cleantech

Transportation

mechanics are afraid of electric cars

Carl Meyer, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Klaus Uebelacker thinks mechanics are afraid of electric cars.

The German-born, Maple Ridge, B.C., resident has spent his career fiddling around with cars. Uebelacker, 53, worked as a Mercedes-Benz mechanic for more than 20 years before moving to his current line of work, training roadside assistance providers at BCAA, while also teaching in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s automotive program.

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Transportation

Cortes Island Inventor Completes Cargo E-Trike

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[Cortes Island E-Bikes series]

For a little more than two years, Cortes Islander Gabriel Dinim worked patiently and steadily on the design and construction of an original, custom electric cargo bike with three wheels. By early summer of 2020, his project was ready for its first test-drive… and has since been frequently sighted on Cortes roads.

Gabriel says this bike effectively replaces his truck, and he uses it daily for travel and cargo hauling. Equipped with regen braking, turn signals, mirrors, brake lights, disc brakes and a substantial drive/motor system, Gabriel’s bike is a serious EV. It enables him to travel to Campbell River and back on a single charge, as well as all around Cortes Island.

As part of the Currents E-Bikes on Cortes Island series, I interviewed Gabriel about his project.

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Energy

Alkaline Batteries test and recharge

Twice a year, for valid safety reasons, many households change the 9Volt alkaline batteries in their fire alarms. What do they do with the now used batteries be they A3,A2, C, D or 9V? On average, 40% that is 4 in 10 alkaline batteries which are thrown in the garbage are at 75% – 100% power remaining.

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Energy

BC’s solar market at tipping point, industry says

By Carl Meyer, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Solar energy businesses in British Columbia believe their market is at a tipping point following years of niche status, as costs come down, governments demand greener buildings and residents offset rising utility bills from power-hungry electric cars.

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Energy

Canada in top 10 for Hydropower, but doesn’t rate for other renewables

By Carl Meyer, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Canada has made the top 10 list of countries for the number of jobs in hydropower, but didn’t rank in three other key renewable energy technologies, according to new international figures.

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