Electric transportation grows more popular every day and infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the modest demand of electrically powered cars and bikes: an outlet with simple billing.  Even with great advances in charge times and range, most electric car users are forced to return home before running out of juice.   A lack of proper infrastructure has many causes: disinterested or straightly opposed gas stations; lack of standardized equipment; uncertainty about the future of electric.  However, serious market competition and consumer demand is being noticed and many spoils shall be awarded to the pioneers of not only the vehicular design, but sustainable infrastructure.

Earlier this year, someone finally broke through with a well designed solution and, more importantly, a serious business plan. The tool for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from charging a vehicle isn’t exactly revolutionary, in fact it’s taken far too long to arrive in the opinion of most green consumers. However, the design unveiled at the Norwegian zero-emissions exhibition, EVS 24, earlier this year certainly seems to be leading the pack in electricity station technologies. The EBConnect arrives via British company Elektromotive. It will be able to identify a customer, meter the energy consumed and bill customers accounts accordingly and accurately.  The monitoring and billing device is set to be installed alongside pre-existing charging stations across the UK, making the already verdant British landscape even greener.

Elektromotive’s EBConnect software manages sophisticated two-way communication between a vehicle (via the EBConnect) and a central data center. The system provides a variety of payment methods to best suite any customer.   Elektrobay accounts are a personalized system of credit and debit a regular customer may keep preloaded.  The customer can choose instead to have the amount automatically charged to his or her utility bill or may even pay via an SMS and have the charge placed on a cell phone bill.

The EBConnect also offers advancements in the actual charging technology.  Not only is the charging station fully compatible with both fully electric and hybrid cars, but it also charges better.  Elektromotive’s Three-Phase ‘Fast Charge’ Elektrobay prototype uses a power supply of 32 amps, which reduces charging times significantly.  This may be one of the most important steps in advancing the popularity and utility of electric cars.  Even the best charge times currently sit in the 30 min range, which is great when charging at home between errands, but is unacceptable for long-distance driving.  Advancements in automotive and charging station technologies will work hand in hand to defeat this obstacle in the near future and Elektromotive is at the height of the forthcoming wave.

The EBConnect is not limited to the UK alone. Elektromotive also exports Elektrobays to Sweden, Holland, Germany and Ireland with many more international contracts in the works. They have recently even secured a contract in the Middle East according to an Elektromotive press release.   The release states “King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a new graduate-level research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, will use the Elektrobay charging points for recharging the 150 new electric vehicles that will transport staff and pupils around the campus.”

Nissan has finally gone 100% green electric with their newest automobile the Nissan Leaf. I understand that leafs are in fact green, however the name is rather uninspiring given the capabilities of the actual vehicle.

The Leaf can travel 100 miles on a single charge, offers zero-emissions of CO2 and can fully charge in a rather quick seven hours.

For drivers who need an even faster charge cycle, Nissan is also promising a “quick charge” mode that can put the cars battery at 80% complete in just 30 quick minutes.

The actual vehicle looks quite similar to the Volkwagen Beatle line with a modified hatch back design to set it apart. In my opinion, it’s got a retro meets future vibe that I rather enjoy.

Nissan is expected to start selling the Leaf at the end of 2010, of course by that point the Toyota Prius will probably be getting 3 times the mileage, either way it’s a step in the right direction for the foreign car manufacturer.

GoCycle is the greatest leap forward in electric bicycle technology to date.  Growing rapidly in popularity, electric bike technology has had a tough time catching up to demand.  Little power, long charge times and short ranges have turned many would-be buyers off to the whole idea of any electric transportation.  But just as hybrid and electric cars have finally begun to meet consumer demands, so has at least one electric bike.  The GoCycle offers improved range, power and overall design.  The only problem might be the price, but let’s just dream on that point for now.

GoCycle is the lightest electric bike in production to date.  Weighing in at a measly 35 lbs (16 kg) it is by far the most mobile option.  The GoCycle electric bike has a 10 mile range when using exclusively electric power and has a top speed of 15 mph; perfect for a sweat free morning commute.  The bike can then be recharged in 3.5 hours for the same energy as using a 40 watt light bulb for a single hour.  So, you can proudly recharge your green ride at the office and be the envy of everyone’s environmental consciouses.

The GoCycle is special for a variety of unique features (many pending patents over at GoCycle):

You can rest easy knowing that your pant legs are safe when commuting via the GoCycle. It comes equipped with its patented Cleanspeed, a fully enclosed and maintenance free 3-speed chain drive that keeps your clothes protected from any snags of a typical bike.

The award-winning and patented LockShock is a rear suspension shock absorber that doubles as a locking port for securing your GoCycle.

The simple push of a red button near your thumb is all it takes to turn the bikes electric motor on and off, allowing you to exercise full control over your bikes power distribution.

The Pit-Stop Wheels are side mounted and can be mounted and unmounted with no tools.  This makes changing a flat tire a snap.

The Vgonomic Adjustment system allows the rider to change not only the height, but the forward to backward positions of the seat and handlebars and with no tools.  This ride is truly customizable to any rider.

The plug and play electric motor is discreet and gives front wheel power for maximum stability.

The GoCycle includes front and rear luggage mounts for all your school or work bags and accessories.

While some bikes nowadays are conveniently foldable for city dwelling and train commuting, the GoCycle can be completely dismantled and placed in a wheeled travel case in a matter of moments.   I don’t know about you, but foldable bikes have never been quite mobile enough for my taste, but the GoCycle seems to offer the absolute maximum in mobility and storage-ability.

Even with all the attention paid to GoCycle’s superior functionality, they have not forgotten form.  The sleek and sensuous curves of this electric bike are the height of modern appeal.  With its $1800 USD price tag, it may not be for the average environmentalist, but you can expect that price to drop significantly in the next two years.