The Neverending Battle.

Okay, so here's the thing. I am, for the most part, a passionate environmentalist. I do have my weaknesses though, desires, things that in the great spectrum of things, really aren't all that practical or important but I still would like to have one. Then there are things that are very practical but I can't have one due to the fact that our own government will not allow these sorts of technologies into our society. My weakness you ask? Transportation-cars, motorcycles, boats, etc....if it moves I want to try to drive it at least once....

Okay, so let's be reasonable here, most people do require some form of transportation that for the most part will not be the most environmentally friendly kind around. I will admit, we do own a minivan. That being said, we are a one car family with 5 people, a dog the size of a small donkey (brains to match), and most of our family is around a 2 hour drive from our home. So, I think we have chosen a reasonable vehicle to match our needs. I have wanted to add a second vehicle to our family for some time as my best friend is attending university (also around 2 hours away) and this requires several commutes by herself which does not lend itself kindly to the environment with our current vehicle. Now, there is no perfect solution here and I am not sure there ever will be, because regardless of what steps one takes to make sure they are being as responsible as possible to the environment,there is always a downfall.

The first vehicle I have wanted for some time is the Zenn car, a Canadian made vehicle powered solely by electricity and has zero emissions while driving. Admittedly, it does have a limited range of approximately 35 miles/56 kilometres and a top speed of 25 miles/40 km/h but hey, that is perfect for most of the commuters out there who never leave town and don't have to hit the highway to get there. It also charges overnight when the grid is under less demand. They say the fuel mileage is compatible to 245 mpg. Insane. But guess what? The government is refusing to allow the cars on public roads? We obviously understand the concern if some moron was to try and take this on a 400 series highway but if they were permitted on the road for in town use only with speed limits of 50 km/h and under, where is the problem? You know who is allowed to use these Canadian built cars? Americans. Yep, even though the car has passed several Transport Canada tests, certain provinces are not allowing the vehicles to be registered and claim they are not road worthy. There have been no incidents resulting in any fatalities involving on of these cars to date. Come on Canada...really? I am not just talking about only the Zenn car either, there are several options out there for electric vehicles that we have no access to due to government restrictions. http://www.zenncars.com/ for more information on the Zenn.



Now for another form of technology that really rocks my world. The Mini QED PHEV. Name says it all doesn't it? No? Okay, well here is the breakdown. The Mini QED is a demonstration vehicle that showcases the Quad Electric Drive, a four wheel motor in wheel drive, plug-in electric vehicle, developed by PML Flightlink and its partner Synergy Innovations and unveiled at the British Motor Show. The QED has an all-electric range of 200-250 miles (333-417 km) and has a total range of about 932 miles (1,500 km). The car accelerates from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Two vehicles have been produced to demonstrate what can be achieved using the companies in wheel motor technology.

Some key features are:                                                
Independent Quad Electric Drive
Traction control and anti skid built into each wheel
Regenerative braking recovers almost all energy
Blistering acceleration and high top speed
Around 80 mpg via onboard engine / generator
No need to recharge ( although you can if you wish)
Seriously attractive and feature rich in car display

The PML eWheel permanent magnet wheel motor is designed to be rugged and flexible. Based on 5 years of evolution, the eWheel offers exceptional efficiency, coupled with a high power to weight ratio that makes it the ideal solution for battery powered equipment. Extensive attention to detail has been placed in the bearing, sealing and weather proofing arrangements to provide the eWheel with enough build quality to withstand arduous environments. The design features include rugged oversized taper roller bearings, fully waterproof to IP 65, high torque overload rating for fast acceleration, over-temperature thermistors fitted and smooth 12 step commutation for smooth high power performance

Performance Specifications
Emissions - Zero, for 4 hours combined urban and extra urban driving
Driving range - 1000km (predicted from bench fuel consumption trials)
Top speed - Approaching 240kph
Acceleration - 0-100kph in under 5 seconds
Braking - Regenerative only (other than handbrake for parking)
Fuel Gasoline BHP - > 640bhp
Fuel consumption - 65 – 80mpg

Essentially, we have a fantastic super car that is also great for the environment and also happens to be my dream car, a Mini. Once again, not legal in Canada.

Then of course we have the Tesla, a pure sports car, all electric power that will blow your socks off. Made in the US and now with a family model coming available, still illegal in Canada. Thank you Canada. I mean, what the heck? This is a viable option available to our neighbours to the south and we can't try and legalize them?

There is also an electric Porsche 911 developed by RUF that will absolutely make any sports enthusiast wet their pants, fortunately for my rant, it is not available to the public yet and therefore not an issue. HOWEVER, I do know that when it becomes available to the mass market, Canada will be putting barriers in place to delay it's entry into our market.

My final piece for today, another Canadian built product, approved by Transport Canada, that is not legal to own/register in the provinces of Ontario or Alberta. I am talking about the Montreal built T-Rex by Campagna motors. Half motorcycle/half sports car and all fun. This thing is a piece of art on wheels and my sinful obsession. I want one. I don't know why I get silly like this but I do. I also don't understand how/why after the Federal government has approved the vehicle, that each province has a say in the matter. Isn't that a little redundant? If it has passed all national safety testing then surely there can be nothing further to add. Are Ontario and Alberta far safer provinces on the roads then the rest of the country? I think not. Come on Canada, let's get it together. Let's support our Canadian companies and their innovative ideas as well as other innovative products from other areas of the world.