Analysis and Market Forecasts” provides an in- depth analysis of the smart grid related developments in Europe. The report covers various aspects of the smart grid and related technologies such as market sizing, investment scenario analysis and competitive landscape analysis. At the very outset, the report discusses the concept of smart grid and the benefits arising out of its implementation. The report proceeds to explain the smart grid industry dynamics in Europe identifying the key market drivers, industry challenges and providing a list of smart grid pilot projects in Europe. The report assesses the European smart grid market by analyzing Europe into five different regions. It elaborates on the European market for smart meters, advanced energy storage systems, high voltage direct current cables, wind and solar energy generation systems and broadband over power line. A section of the report is dedicated to the major policies and standards related to the smart grid industry in Europe.

Reduction in Power Losses from Legacy Grids will Drive the Implementation of Smart Grids

European countries are slowly becoming aware of the potential of smart grid to incorporate energy efficient technologies in the power grid to reduce power losses and remove associated inefficiencies. The European power grids incur losses amounting to billions of dollars every year which increase the costs of both energy generation and consumption. The energy efficient features of the smart grid will help to reduce the losses by almost 50% which acts as a major incentive for European governments to upgrade to a smarter grid.

Acquisition Activities

Continue Amidst Recession The acquisition activities in the European smart grid industry have maintained a steady pace during the period 2002-2009. In 2009, up to date 3 acquisitions have taken place among the key players. The outbreak of the financial crisis across the world has done little to dampen the spirit of the investors. This is a healthy trend that indicates sustained interest of investors in the smart grid related developments in Europe.

Lack of Political Consensus to Hamper Cross-Border Grid Interconnection

The deployment of a Pan-European smart grid is facing problems due to the lack of political consensus among the European nations. The full potential of smart grids across Europe can only be realized if the renewable energy resources of the different European nations are utilized through cross-border grid interlinking. The unwillingness of the European governments to share their national resources is hampering the prospect of Pan-European grid interlinking. GlobalData assesses that a concerted effort from the European Governments is imperative to implement a monolithic power grid for all of Europe. Positive developments such as the electric transmission corridor between France and Spain can only help the cause for a cross-border grid interconnection that serves the whole of Europe.

Broadband over Power Line to Lose out to Competing Technologies

The European market for Broadband over Power Line (BPL) will witness limited growth during the period 2009-2015. BPL was under test for a while in Europe to deliver online content over utility distribution lines. Practically, all of these test projects yielded undesired results such as interference with the radio waves forcing the utilities to abandon most of these projects. The disastrous results of the BPL pilot projects undertaken have cast a dark shadow over the viability of BPL as competing internet technologies such as DSL, WiFi, and WiMAX. With all these disadvantages, GlobalData predicts a steady demise for BPL technology that provides internet connectivity over power lines.

For further details, visit: www.globaldata.com

But beyond the hip music and snazzy displays, electric cars face some sobering realities that make them vehicles of the future rather than of the present. The biggest issues are price and usability. Costly batteries put these cars out of reach for most consumers, and infrastructure isn’t currently in place to allow owners to plug in and charge up cars when they’re away from home. Add to that speed and range limitations with electric technology, and it’s clear the electric future won’t come overnight.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t cause for excitement about electric cars, which offer the possibility of zero-emissions driving for a potentially large number of city dwellers. It does mean, though, that consumers will have to be patient.

“There are a lot of questions to be solved, and of course it will take a few years,” says Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Research Institute in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany. “Nevertheless, it’s a major trend in the auto industry, and one can speak about a technology paradigm change.”

RENAULT GAMBLES BIG ON PLUG-INS
Some companies are fully embracing such a shift, but analysts caution it’s a risky strategy. At the Frankfurt show, Renault (RENA.PA) introduced four electric vehicles it intends to bring to full production by 2012. The company is hoping to become the world leader in sales of electric vehicles, as Chairman Carlos Ghosn announced at the Frankfurt show on Sept. 15. Renault boldly forecasts that electric cars will make up 10% of the world market by 2020, but that’s way beyond other estimates: Researcher IHS Global Insight (IHS), for instance, currently predicts that electric vehicles will account for just 0.6% of total industry volume in 2020, with an additional 0.7% coming from plug-in hybrid vehicles.

“Renault is taking a big gamble with its electric vehicle strategy,” says IHS Global Insight auto analyst Tim Urquhart. Renault’s bet, he says, will either succeed and “accelerate the wide-scale commercialization of electric passenger cars or [it] may leave Renault struggling to market and commercialize technology for which the customer has limited enthusiasm.”

Other companies are making substantial investments while remaining opaque on strategy amid an uncertain market. BMW is investing $1 billion in a scheme called Project i that will create a line of small cars for urban drivers including an electric-powered version. But CEO Norbert Reithofer wouldn’t say when BMW will take its first mass-produced electric car to market. “This product will come; it’s a serious product,” he assured BusinessWeek on Sept. 15 at the Frankfurt show.

Other manufacturers are similarly hedging their bets. Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) plans to put its new E-Up! electric compact into production in 2013 but has not disclosed how much it will cost or when it might be available in the U.S. Rupert Stadler, CEO of Audi (NSUG.DE)—part of the Volkswagen Group—told BusinessWeek on Sept.16 that an electric-powered version of its R8 super sports car will be available for test drives by reviewers next year. Audi hopes to begin delivering to a small number of customers by the end of 2012. Stadler acknowledges that it will take 10 or 20 years before there are significant numbers of electric cars on the road. “This will take a lot of money and a lot of effort and a lot of brainpower,” Stadler said. “It will take us a long time.”

Daimler (DAI) CEO Dieter Zetsche agrees that the switch to electric cars will take time. He told reporters on Sept. 15 at the Frankfurt show that “we are at that tipping point” when major electrification of auto drive trains is starting, but cautions that it will be a “gradual changeover.” Daimler is expected to put its first electricity-generating fuel-cell car, the B-Class F-Cell, on the road by the end of this year but won’t begin mass-producing fuel-cell cars until 2015.

NEW EC EMISSIONS LAWS
Despite the hurdles, one impetus for the development of electric cars will be stricter emissions laws. The European Commission, for example, will introduce its so-called Euro 6 regulations in 2014, which include penalties for automakers based on estimated fuel consumption. Still, experts predict the move to electric cars will be gradual. Hybrids are the first step, with the ultimate goal being vehicles that run completely on batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.

“Over time, hybrid smaller engines will become more important, and gas and diesel will seem old-fashioned,” says Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. “That will provide the way for the electronic [market] to expand.”

Gerard Killmann, director of power train development for Toyota Motor Europe (TM), sees the plug-in hybrid as the bridge between combustion engines and electric cars. With these models, which aren’t yet widely available to consumers, drivers can make short trips purely on electric power but can switch to a gas-electric hybrid drive for longer trips. “Electrification of the power train has to happen,” he says.

Another boost to prospects for electric cars came with an announcement in Frankfurt by entrepreneur Shai Agassi, founder of the ambitious electric car startup Better Place. Working with tech stalwarts including Intel (INTC) and Microsoft (MSFT), Agassi’s firm has devised sophisticated new communication technology that will link together vehicles, charging stations, and the power grid—an essential element in building an infrastructure to support the practical use of electric cars.

While electric cars and hybrids won’t dominate the auto market anytime soon, there’s potential for them to become popular among city and suburb dwellers. Toyota’s executive vice-president for R&D, Takeshi Uchiyamada, predicts that at least in the near term, an electric car will be an additions to a consumer’s fleet rather than a substitution. “The commuter car could be the starting point—not the first car but the second or third car,” he says.

For a look at some of the new autos and concept cars introduced this year in Frankfurt, see our slide show.

Herbst is a reporter for BusinessWeek.

Long Beach, CA – March 23, 2009 – Electric Vehicles International (EVI), a leading manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, announced that it will be demonstrating its “Road Ready” commercial vehicle at Faster Freight – Cleaner Air (FFCA California), which is being held this week at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA.  Having recently completed its launch into the U.S., EVI offers the first pure electric and hybrid electric Class 3-6 commercial trucks available in the U.S., which are in full compliance with stringent federal and state regulatory requirements for their respective weight classes. 

“We are very happy to bring EVI back to California, the state where EVI was founded, and a state dedicated to clean transportation.  Both the popular and political support in California, specifically for electrifying fleets, is a great model for the rest of the country,” said Art Robins, Vice President of U.S. Operations for Electric Vehicles International (EVI).  “As an alternative to gasoline-centered transportation, fleet managers who adopt EVs and HEVs will see immediate results.  For communities as well, the corollary effects of EV adoption can improve the quality of people’s lives—in terms of cleaner air, quieter streets and more freedom in energy decisions.”

The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes a number of financial incentives for EVs that can range from $7,500 to $15,000 per vehicle.  In addition, a number of other incentives and subsidies are available in California including the following: 

As funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), up to $1.62 million will have been dispensed by March 31, 2009 for vehicle incentive rebates in the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Program;
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers an EV discount of $0.025/kWh for charging, and provides EV-infrastructure services to help customers determine applications for EVs in fleet operations, EV maintenance services and training. 

As well, CARB recently passed a new regulation to reduce emissions from existing on-road diesel vehicles operating in California, reducing particulate matter, which is a toxic contaminant, by 80 percent in 2020 from 2000 levels; removing 124 tons per day of NOx, the major contributor to smog, by 2014; preventing about 9,400 deaths; and saving 950,000 work loss days, as estimated by CARB.

Within this supportive political climate, EVs have become viable, especially for short-range delivery or “back to base” vehicles.  In addition to the two commercial truck models, eviLightTruck and the eviRoute 1500, that EVI manufactures, the company has developed a cutting-edge drive train and offers engineering services including conversions to HEVs.  All of EVI’s vehicles, which are presently available to the U.S. market, are “Road Ready” Glider Chassis, are assembled in the U.S. and have met all of the compliance requirements of Title 49 of the DOT’s CFR.  EVI’s motors and controllers are built in the U.S. and the trucks’ patented lithium phosphate batteries are supplied byValence Technology (NASDAQ: VLNC), an international manufacturer and supplier of safe lithium phosphate energy storage solutions based in Austin, TX.  EVI can deliver their products within 60 days of their order.

In addition to being a sponsor at this year’s FFCA California, EVI is exhibiting and offering demos at Booth #123.  On Tuesday, March 24 at 1:30pm PT, EVI will hold a press conference in Conference Room 102BC, which will be followed by a special “Ride and Drive” for members of the media.  The 3-day conference and expo is being held at the Long Beach Convention Center adjacent to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to showcase innovative programs, policies and technologies around the world to improve efficiency and reduce air quality impacts of the goods movement industry.  As part of the company’s U.S. launch, EVI is participating in several leading industry events including the recent Work Truck Show in Chicago, IL and Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY along with the upcoming Alternative Fuels & Vehicle Conference in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

About Electric Vehicles International

EVI was started in California in 1989 through funding from the state where the company began research and development in the field of alternative energy transportation solutions.  EVI is dedicated to making EVs and HEVs viable now, which has lead to a doubling of their production capabilities and the company’s recent expansions into the U.S. market.  EVI’s U.S. operations, sales and marketing are based out of Austin, TX, which will be responsible for all of the company’s products in the U.S. and Canada.  To find out more about EVs or HEVs or how to convert your existing fleet, please contact EVI at info@evi-usa.com, 1-877-435-1999 or visit www.evi-usa.com. 

Myers Motors NMG ($29,995):

This zippy little one-seater may seem more like an outfit than a mode of transportation, especially when you take note of the wild array of available colors, but its lithium batteries and DC motor can actually dive you about 45 miles-worth of travel, at speeds of up to 76 mph. It comes with a bucket seat, power windows, an AM/FM/CD player with an iPod plug, and six cubic feet of storage space. Lack of an internal combustion engine combined with a lesser likelihood of the vehicle being used for joy rides should also make finding the cheap auto insurance rates much easier than with gasoline powered autos. Sources say a Myers will be announcing a two-seat version sometime in Spring, and that it will be available before the end of the year. The name NMG, says our source, stands for No More Gas.

Aptera 2e (mid $20′s):

This car has been delayed, much to the great disappointment of those who watch the industry, but is scheduled for delivery late this Fall. It’s been designed with a composite body that can eke a whopping 120 miles from the onboard batteries, as well as offering a top speed of 95. This is a front-wheel-drive three-wheel car. 

Commuter Cars Tango ($108,000):

The Tango is more famous for being owned by actor George Clooney than anything else, and is a bit odd, even for an electric. For one thing, it offers tandem seating for two in order to retain the ability of lane split, and passengers are enclosed by a racecar-inspired roll cage. Its current battery configuration is only about 60 miles, but it can accelerate past 120 mph. A proposed lithium ion power pack will give it a better range: 150 miles. 

Tesla Roadster ($109,000)

The Tesla is the most well-known, and quietly likely the most anticipated, electric car on the road at all. It’s 3.9 – second acceleration from zero to 60 rivals that of standard gasoline cars, as does it’s top speed of 125 mph. Unsurprisingly, it’s also got the best range of all electric cars: up to 220 miles. Rumor has it that there’s a sport model coming out this year, also. 

These four cars are just the cream of the crop of available electrics, and represent those models most likely to actually sell. Of the four, the Tango has the shortest wait-list.

So John McCain was awash in the glow of the Chevy Volt last week, and he had nothing but good to say about the car. Even if the Volt is at least 18 months away from public release, and no one know how it will actually do once it is out there.  Obama and McCain have tripped over themselves to heap praise on the Volt. But according to Wired, McCain is especially excited.

“The eyes of the world are now on the Volt. It’s the future of America and the world,” McCain told a crowd of 500 GM autoworkers. The way McCain sees it, American-made fuel-efficient cars will save both the environment and the economy, and he promises to make sure they’re built if he’s elected president.

I’m not sure if he really believes The Volt can save America’s car industry, or if he is just courting the environment vote. He is suggesting a $300 million prize to whoever creates a battery with the “the size, capacity, cost and power to leapfrog the commercially available plug-in hybrids or electric cars.” That’s a lot of dough and I’ll believe it when I see the money.