A resident of Bonshaw, Canada recharges his fully-electric SUV entirely on power created from his own personal windmill. Harold Smith and others like him are setting a new standard in efficiency. Not only is this choice environmentally sound but also a great way to dodge ever-increasing fuel costs.
Smith purchased his 1996 Toyota RAV4 on eBay for $38,000. He plugs it in each evening to an electric system powered by a 20-kilowatt wind turbine. The system generates enough power to keep his house running year round.
Unlike the hybrids that are gaining popularity in North America, not one drop of gas is necessary to drive the all-electric SUV. Toyota sold or leased only 328 vehicles like it in 2003 and has since ceased production. The EV model was discontinued one day after the corporation passed the new air-quality requirements by the California Air Resources Board.
Although some may view the top speeds of 78 miles per hour (126 km/h) as modest, Smith has no complaints about its performance. He enjoys driving it on the highway, often faster than the RCMP would like him to.
The environmental group ECO-PEI has noted Smith’s efforts to live exclusively from green energy. Research is being conducted about launching a campaign to encourage more Islanders to use wind power to recharge their automobiles. Matthew McCarville of ECO-PEI commented that the idea of more zero-emissions drivers out there is exciting.
ECO-PEI hopes to transfer some of the estimated $200 million spent each year on gas bills to build commercial-sized wind farms. To date there are already 4 wind farms on the island. With completely renewable energy powering cars it will be a truly end-to-end solution. By switching to electric vehicles, powered by wind turbines, citizens can also help beef up the local economy instead of spending money on gasoline which is imported.
Maritime Electric, the island’s main utility company said it is keeping a keen watch on the electric car industry but has no plans now to help P.E.I. drivers to go electric. Clearly they are more likely to slow the proceedings since DIY energy puts the power in the hands of the consumer. Wind power means fewer profits for them.
Smith would like the Canadian government to offer incentives to get more people to switch over to wind power. Cash rebates to citizens who build windmills or buy electric cars could help get the ball rolling but are unlikely in the foreseeable future.
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