Plug In America August Newsletter
A message from Dan Davids, President
During the down days of August we offer a brief newsletter that covers mainly our benefit event - Plug-ins Pinots and Progress, as well as a bumper sticker contest and a fond farewell to the talented intern who spent her summer working with us. Thank you for your continued interest in our work.
Plug-ins, Pinots and Progress
.jpg)
Great wine and high voltage must mix, because some of today's most advanced electric vehicles made the mountainous trek to the scenic Thomas Fogarty Winery on Sunday, August 9th, for Plug In America's second annual benefit party. The sold-out event drew several Teslas, an Aptera, two Tangos, a plug-in Prius, a tzero, new electric motorcycles and many more electric vehicles to show the 200 attendees.
 Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11), a leading clean energy advocate, also showed up to the Woodside, CA party near Silicon Valley.
"Thank you, Plug In America. You're doing a great job for the country," McNerney told the crowd. The Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill the Congressman helped pass in the House in June is "not perfect," he said, but includes "a lot" for battery technology and EV infrastructure and caps carbon emissions starting in 2012. Senators from coal- and oil- producing states will be fighting against the measure this fall, McNerney added, advising supporters that Senator Barbara Boxer of California will need their help.
"You have your work cut out for you, but it's going to happen," McNerney said.
Another special guest, California Public Utilities (CPUC) Commissioner Rachelle Chong, told attendees that the CPUC will be paying close attention to EVs and charging infrastructure. "There's a whole bunch of EVs heading to California in the next two years," Chong said, "and we're going to be ready for them!"
Among other EVs on hand: Rarely seen two wheelers from Zero Motorcycles and Mission Motors, a Bad Boy Buggy, a Green Vehicles Triac, a half dozen RAV4 EVs, several other PHEV Prius conversions and a couple of home-built EVs.
 One of the evening highlights included a live auction of a specially packaged NASA Space Launch trip to Florida, auctioned off to Carolyn Coquilette; an A123/Hymotion conversion package which Joerg Helig won, and a Coulomb charger, now in the hands of Jackie and Eric Weiss for their Village Doctor family medical practice in Woodside.
  
Click here for more photos of Plug-Ins, Pinots, and Progress
Plug In America Bumper Sticker Contest
Help create a new bumper sticker!
Plug In America is sponsoring a contest open to anybody who has a great slogan for a new bumper sticker! Send your creative ideas to info@pluginamerica.org with the subject line "Bumper Sticker." Entries must be submitted by the end of September and the slogan must promote the cause of plug-in electric-drive transportation. The winner will be acknowledged on our web site or in the newsletter, and the selected slogan will be featured as our new bumper sticker for one year. Moreover the winner will get a package of Plug In America merchandise --- three items of your choice from our online store as well as an autographed copy of Sherry Boschert's book "Plug In Hybrid Vehicles."
If you have any questions please email info@pluginamerica.org.
Top talent completes her internship
My name is Juliette and I am an engineering student in France. I am especially interested in everything regarding environment and energy. Early this year I was looking for an internship in the USA when I found an ad posted on the web for a summer internship at Plug In America.
I became interested in Plug In America's mission at once, because I think electric vehicles are one example where engineers can put their knowledge to good use to benefit the environment..
After meeting the manager Jeanne Trombly virtually on skype, I arrived in San Francisco on April 17 with only a suit case in hand. I proceeded to find a place to stay with housemates within walking distance of the office.
During my internship, I have helped in many areas. I have maintained the database, compiled a short report on consumer studies, handled correspondence and most recently, worked on the August benefit party, especially the auction. Just as important, I have tried to improve my English!
I am also very impressed by the new electric vehicles I recently discovered. I couldn't wait to see the Teslas and above all the Aptera at the party. Those are really the cars of the future!
After this life changing experience in San Francisco, I unfortunately have to go back to France in September for my last year of studies. But before leaving this beautiful country, I am going to travel across California in August. I managed to visit Yosemite already and also enjoyed a brief trip to Miami. Then it will be the return to the French fall, and school…
There is no doubt that this internship will help me find a job when I get out of school. I will miss San Francisco and Plug In America so much! Keep up the good work for electric transportation!
Join Plug In America
Your donation helps Plug In America continue to work and produce the results of a large organization despite our small size. Our critical expenses include website hosting, printing, advertising, outreach and participation in public events and conferences. Thank you!
Please join now.
|
