News Roundup
News Roundup for October 29
PEDAL POWER, SOLAR HELP
Florian Bailly with solar bike
Most people would just fly from France to Japan, but not Florian Bailly. The French national made the trip on an $11,000 solar bicycle. A special trailer in back holds two solar panels which charge a pair of batteries. The batteries then power an electric motor, helping the bike go faster than it would just by pedaling. Bailly’s 8,080 mile trek through 12 countries lasted four months. Bailly said that on a normal bike it would take six months.
ASSEMBLY LINE
Production of the all-electric Nissan Leaf is under way at a plant in Japan. Nissan said the first cars will be put on ships bound for the United States in November, with sales beginning in December. In late 2012, the automaker is expected to begin building the Leaf at a plant in Smyrna, Tenn.
CHINESE VOLT
The Chevy Volt will be going to China. General Motors said it plans to begin selling the plug-in hybrid there in the second half of next year. The Chinese government, in an effort to cut oil imports, is offering subsidies to citizens who buy environmentally-friendly vehicles. As for GM, China now represents its largest market by sales volume.
JAILHOUSE PV
Prisoners at one Florida facility will be learning a valuable skill, with an eye toward finding work when they’re released. The state will use a $740,000 federal grant to teach them how to install photovoltaic panels. An accredited technical center will handle the instruction at Palm Beach County’s Sago Palm Work Camp. Inmates who successfully complete the course will receive energy practitioner certificates.
―Based on news and wire reports
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