Ontario to Issue "Eco-Plates" for Green Machines

by Robert Farago

Published: August 10th, 2007

ontario to issue eco plates for green machines

It may have started with hybrid tax credits and California's hybrid carpool lane stickers, but Ontario is taking the whole governmental green car incentive thing to the next level. The Toronto Star reports that the provincial government has unveiled a plan to issue "green" license plates to drivers of environmentally-friendly cars. Vehicles that qualify for the "eco-plates" will enjoy special perks, which could include free parking and access to commuter lanes. "Now we're saying we're going to also put some more factors on that table to help you make a decision that's good for your family and good for the environment," Environment Minister Laurel Broten told a news conference. Minister Broten will consult with carmakers and environmental groups to decide which vehicles qualify for the new plates. Now that ought to be an interesting meeting.

Robert Farago

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Eh_political on Aug 10, 2007

Shameless pandering from yet another incompetent Ontario Provincial government. The Libs will be turfed from office next election, and this poorly conceived election plank will be tits up. Ontario energy policy has been an embarrassing mishmash for successive governments of every political stripe, but at present it is unconscionable. My province has a small window of opportunity to rationalize its energy needs across the board. Amory Lovins will likely be too busy after Bush... and would probably jump at the opportunity to have a large scale test case to demonstrate what sweeping energy rationalization can do to address the looming energy crisis. Profitably (in the private sector)--or with positive economic consequences (for the public sector). peace........oot

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Mechie on Aug 11, 2007
N85523: Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t 100% of the Prius’s power come from gasoline? Johnster: No. It, doesn’t…. REGENERATIVE BRAKING Ummm… Johnster… unless the tooth fairy pushed the Prius up to the top of the hill, or accelerated it to speed, the original energy source was the vehicle’s gasoline engine. Capturing the energy normally wasted in braking through regenerative braking is one of the claimed advantages of hybrid electrics, but keep in mind the energy conversion efficiency is far from 100%. For this priviledge, you are lugging around the weight of a battery pack, assorted motors, power inverters and cabling (on top of the weight of an engine, transmission, axle shafts and fuel tank). Mr. Newton says there ain’t no free lunch ;-)

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Johnster on Aug 11, 2007
Mechie: Ummm… Johnster… unless the tooth fairy pushed the Prius up to the top of the hill, or accelerated it to speed, the original energy source was the vehicle’s gasoline engine. The original energy source was, indeed, the vehicle's gasoline engine. However, N85523's question was "doesn’t 100% of the Prius’s power come from gasoline?" to which the answer is, "NO!" No one is arguing about all the extra weight or the inefficiency of the energy conversion from regenerative braking. Regenerative braking still contributes (to small degree) to powering the Toyota Prius by helping to recharge its batteries. 100% of the Toyota Prius's does NOT come from gasoline. No, the lunch isn't free, but this cuisine may well become more popular in the future as the technology is refined and developed further. It's something of an acquired taste and not to everyone's liking, but as long Toyota offers it and people are buying it... Bon appetit!

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Earthrehab on Oct 03, 2007

Hello Ontario viewers, I am attaching our 2 latest news stories regarding our recycled plastic milk jug environmental campaign, just click the links for NBC http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3734450051240541255 for Hometown News http://www.myhometownnews.net/index.php?id=30654 You see, we started a campaign to raise proceeds for 'front-line' Environmental Foundations, and at the same time expose Recycled Plastic Lumber to the public, a product derived from their recycling efforts. Not only is it all that but it's a Bright Natural Green that doesn't need an introduction. Please visit the web-site, www.mygreenlicenseplate.com , and contact me so that we can discuss opportunities. Cordially, William Djubin Founder EarthRehab w1@earthrehab.com

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