Maps are used for more than directions, and at Makello, we are creating maps to highlight communities within our Service Areas. We have a gallery of maps with community insights and tips regarding solar and electric vehicle adoption.
Makello maps can be used for a variety of reasons. The map above shows Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations throughout San Diego County and outlines cities and CDPs (census-designated places) that make up East County San Diego. Individuals can use this map to locate where they could charge their electric vehicles. Non profits and other agencies can depict social inequity in regards to electric vehicle adoption, which could lead to funding. Many people may not realize how big San Diego County is! Can you think of anything else this and future maps might be used for?
Makello has maps to help prospective Plug-In Vehicle owners determine the current and future availability of public electric vehicle charging stations, in the areas where they work and live. Federal and State programs can provide up to 100% incentives for DC Fast Charging for San Diego, so we built a place where you can pin a location to “Request A Public EV Charger” installation. Our customers find this information very useful in the decision to adopt electric vehicle technology. After all, who wants to run out of battery while running errands or driving home after work?
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
Many of our clients are concerned about air quality in their community and want to take actions to make improvements where they can be made. In many communities, there are a variety of sources for diesel particulate matter such as trucks, farm and construction equipment, emergency generators, industrial equipment, or older model cars. Makello has utilized the CalEnviroscore data to show our clients where concentrations of particulate matter occur and help those customers adopt solar and battery energy storage for emergencies, reducing the need for diesel generators.
Click on maps and they will open in a new tab at larger resolution. The map shown here shows the diesel particulate matter in cities and CDPs in North County San Diego.
Vehicles with gasoline engines are a significant source of air pollution in urban areas, and although we have adopted high pollution control standards in California, vehicle pollution can still be an issue in many communities.
Vehicle pollution contains many toxic chemicals and plays a role in the formation of smog. There are many health concerns related to smog pollution, including asthma, heart disease, and lung disease; all are conditions that worsen the outcomes for COVID-19. Health risks increase with proximity to freeways and heavily trafficked roads, for fine particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream and lung tissues. Vehicle traffic can also be a source of excessive noise and vibrations, which contribute to stress and high blood pressure, or injuries to pedestrians.
At Makello we strive to accommodate all our customers needs and provide equal access to information for everyone. Our maps are color coded specifically to be able to be interpreted by those who are color blind as well. This map shows traffic density in cities and CDPs of South County San Diego.
Gasoline engines idling in traffic achieve lower miles per gallon and produce pollution. Traffic density represents the number of vehicles in an area producing pollution. Areas with high volumes of traffic have more pollution. Electric vehicles are a great way to reduce pollution on your daily commute or while you are out on the town.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Jet engines are another source of pollution. The aviation industry is working on electric airplanes and efficiency improvements for new designs. For now, residents in communities impacted by air overflight can take advantage of incentives to purchase new or used Plug-In Vehicles and install solar panels with energy storage batteries. The energy cost savings can be used for indoor air filtration and water purification, among other methods to improve health.
Our maps use a variety of symbols, outlines, colors, labels, etc. to easily depict information. Above, mini airplanes show the flight paths over the Chollas Creek Watershed. Residents under the flight paths are more prone to air and pollution related illnesses.
The rebate programs can be confusing, and finding all the correct data and maps to check for eligibility can be time consuming and prone to errors or misunderstandings. Makello researched the programs and data used to determine eligibility, then developed a program eligibility map for parcel level qualifications. We’ve eliminated several steps and are able to easily show a customer their property’s location in relation to the program criteria. Check out our Service Areas link and get a Free Energy Savings Estimate today.
Up to 100% SGIP Rebate and Tax Incentives qualifiers: Level 2 or 3 High Fire Threat District; Disadvantaged or Low Income Communities; electric well pump; SDG&E Public Safety Power Shut-off events.
Makello is developing GIS services and creating maps useful to the solar power, electric vehicle, and energy storage industries, as well as for our teaming companies, including several non-profit organizations. Maps are an important method for analyzing and presenting data.
We will examine redlining and clean-air technology access by the San Diego African American community in this blog. See the editor’s note below on how we will be using the Census Bureau term African American as defined by the Census Bureau: Race for Residents of African ancestry or birth including both US Citizens and non-US Citizens. For more info on data sources and terminology, references are provided at the end of this article.
Makello works with non profits and other agencies to create maps for Environmental Justice initiatives.
Editors Note: Click to view Makello’s commitment to finding words and methods to accurately represent data while conveying inclusion of the appropriate demographic.
Makello began using maps to analyze data and learn about our community in 2019. From time to time, we intend to share some of the maps we’ve developed but there are challenges to presenting the data accurately and transparently, especially with regards to designations for Race, Identity and Ethnicity.
The US Census counts all people living within the Boundaries of the United States and Territories. The data collected is by Race, not citizenship status. The Census data uses terminology that can easily be misunderstood because of common usage of terms vs. the Census Bureau definition. The Census Bureau meaning of the term is often lost as the data filters down to the public through agencies and businesses.
The Census Bureau uses the terms African American, Asian American, Native American, Hispanic, White and Other to define Race. Citizenship or immigration status is not counted. The loss of context of these words may prevent accurate and full understanding of data. People may feel invisible or may be unintentionally misled.
You may have noted a few potential difficulties in the short list of the terms presented. That is where the struggle lies when attempting to represent residents without being US-Centric or Ethno-centric. Acceptable terminology changes through time, is understood differently in separate regions and countries, by different cultures and ethnicities. Individuals infuse meaning in words based on their life experiences, making classifications difficult.
Maps may focus on a specific demographic for any number of reasons. It can be difficult to adequately portray diversity on the map with charts or graphs. Please refer to the two examples below.
Makello is committed to the difficult task of finding words and methods to accurately represent data while conveying inclusion of the appropriate demographic. We make great effort to research and vet language. Language and identities change. Unfortunately, there is no all encompassing, perfect language for describing people. What one person thinks is a great label and strongly identifies with, the next person may reject or find offensive. We accept open and honest feedback and hope you enjoy the information we present.
African Americans in San Diego are concentrated in southwestern San Diego County.
The first question to answer is where are the communities with 10% or more of the African American residents? A map of the demographic data from the CalEnviroscreen 3.0 is the simplest method of discovery. CalEnviroscreen obtained demographic data from the US Census Bureau and retained the US Census Bureau demographic descriptors in their report. Our map above shows the population is largely concentrated in the area to the east of Downtown San Diego which will be the area we focus on for the purpose of this blog.
Why is the population so heavily concentrated in this area? With a special thanks to University of Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab, a look at the 1930s New Deal Era Home Owners’ Loan Corporation Redline Maps may help to answer this question.
The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (H.O.L.C.) was created during the Great Depression New Deal Era and the program trained many home appraisers in the 1930s. The H.O.L.C. created a neighborhood ranking system known today as redlining. Grades were assigned to residential neighborhoods by local real estate developers and appraisers in over 200 cities. These maps and neighborhood ratings set the rules for decades of real estate practices. The grades ranged from A to D.
The Green Area- Grade A = Best: Always upper-middle-class to upper class White neighborhoods defined as posing minimal risk for banks and other mortgage lenders, as they were “ethnically homogeneous” and had room to be further developed.
The Blue Area- Grade B= Still Desirable: Neighborhoods with all or mostly White, U.S. born residents were defined as sound investments for mortgage lenders.
The Yellow Area- Grade C =Declining: Residential neighborhoods with working class and/or first or second generation immigrants from Europe. The housing stock was typically older and often lacking the current utilities of the day.
The Red Area- Grade D= Hazardous: These neighborhoods were considered to be “infiltrated” with “undesirable populations” such as Jewish, Asian, Mexican, and Black families. The neighborhoods were more likely to be located near industrial areas and the housing stock consisted of older, less well maintained buildings.
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
These grades formed the basis for federally backed mortgages. Many banks refused to lend to areas with the lowest grade, making it impossible for people in these neighborhoods to become homeowners and preventing them from building generational wealth.
As you can see from the map, many of the areas that were labeled undesirable in the 1930s are still the areas where African Americans are concentrated. The practice of redlining has had a long term impact on segments of our community that has yet to be resolved.
1930s redlining still impacts African American communities 90 years later.
Makello is an advocate of green transportation options, providing FREE Energy Savings Estimate services including an analysis of potential electric vehicles to fit your needs, so it was only natural we take a look access to public charging stations African Americans have in the former redlined areas. The results were………….. well, see for yourself.
Less than 10 public electric vehicle charging stations are located within the African American communities.
The data from the US Dept. of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center may be mapped and compared to the CalEnviroscreen Demographic Data. The neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of African American Residents do not have easy access to public electric vehicle charging stations. One consequence is this discourages San Diegans with electric vehicles living outside these communities from driving to businesses in these neighborhoods and spending money. The lack of access to public charging stations also discourages the residents of these neighborhoods from purchasing electric vehicles because they don’t have the ability to conveniently charge their vehicle. This is especially true for multi-unit dwellers where there are structural and parking challenges to overcome when installing EV charging stations. This creates additional barriers to EV ownership, keeping the community from reducing pollution, developing business opportunities, and creating jobs in their neighborhoods.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
We’re shifting gears now and will be examining the energy cost burden in the City of San Diego. The energy cost burden data was obtained from the 2019 San Diego Climate Equity Report and overlaid the demographic data from the CalEnviroscreen 3.0. Generally speaking, the energy cost burden was calculated as a weighted average for each census tract and divided by the median household income for each census tract to obtain the energy cost burden score. For more detailed explanation of the energy cost burden, please visit the San Diego Climate Equity Report page.
The white outlined areas in the map posted below have the lowest energy cost as a percentage of Median Household Income and the dark green areas have the highest energy cost burden. Most of the African American San Diegans are in the minty green areas and have an energy cost burden of 1.3%- 2.7%. There is one area with 18-28% of the African American residents and a 4-5.4% energy cost burden.
This cost puts an additional financial strain on those residents with more modest incomes and often prevents the residents from using air conditioning or heaters in bad weather, increasing some health risks especially for elderly and health challenged individuals. Or the residents may use older, less energy efficient equipment, increasing energy cost and pollution.
Energy cost impacting African American communities.
One potential solution for reducing the energy cost burden and pollution is solar energy and battery storage. We mapped solar adoption rates from the San Diego 2019 Climate Equity Index report and again, overlaid the demographic data from CalEnviroscreen 3.0. The areas outlined in white have the least access to solar energy. Many African Americans are living in areas where at best, there are per capita 0.05 solar photovoltaic systems resulting in these residents having a low ability to decrease pollution due to electricity production and consumption in the home, reducing overall energy cost, and protecting against power outages.
African American communities in San Diego have low access to solar energy systems.
Returning to redlining, banks’ historical unwillingness to loan money in these communities have left many residents underbanked and underserved. Solar Systems, Electric Vehicles, Battery Storage Systems are investments that can improve personal finances and the quality of life for anyone that can afford a purchase, or qualify for financing. Beyond traditional loans or leases, community members can use the State of California’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for home upgrades and energy upgrades. PACE is not a loan and does not appear on an individual’s credit report. PACE funds are repaid on the annual property tax bill.
This concludes our discussion for now. Please stay tuned for additional articles where we take a look at other issues and demographic segments of San Diego Residents.
Makello is a program featured guest presenter and video educator for the community, speaking about EVs, discount utility rates, making money with energy storage, enhanced incentives for qualified individuals, charger types, public charging, home charging, grants, rebates, incentives and many clean air benefits.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
On August 4, we premiered our Public EV charging demonstrations and interviews for the CSE‘s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project webinar series presentations, in cooperation with Groundwork San Diego. The videos are the first of an EV101 educational video series. Click on the images below to view the EV101 Public and Home Charging Videos.
EV101 Public Charging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khHYpqB5WnQEV101 Home Charging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJKqHfpXQ38
Filter for charger type (Level 2 J1772; Chademo, CCS, Tesla)
Click on a charger station to select.
Get directions
Confirm charger information (Is it Available?)
Drive to location
EVgo charging station outside Northgate Market. Makello hosted a booth to educate the community about Plug-In Vehicle benefits and affordability at the grand opening of this charging station in July of 2019.
There’s certain things you need to know before you choose a public charger location.
Brand – Which EV Public Charger company to use?
Cost ($/kWh) – Membership or Subscription?
Distance / Location – Is it convenient for my commute or driving route?
Connector Type – Is it compatible with my vehicle?
Speed – Level 1, 2 or 3?
Availability – Is there a charger available at the desired time?
Range – Is it fast enough to charge the battery to a desired level, if it is time limited?
Brand
Search online to compare Public EV Charging companies in San Diego.
Cost
Public EV Charging companies may charge a membership fee, monthly subscription or a la carte cost/kWh. The end cost varies, but is usually between $0.25/kWh – $0.35/kWh, which is roughly $2.50-$3.50/gallon gas cost equivalent.
Distance / Location
Use the App to choose a Charger that is convenient for my driving and parking habits and destinations.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
Connector Type
There are 4 Connector Types: Tesla, CHAdeMo, CCS Combo or J1772. Not every charging location supports all 4 of them. That’s why it’s important to compare charger locations beforehand – Is it compatible with my vehicle?
There are 4 Connector Types: Tesla, CHAdeMo, CCS Combo or J1772.
Speed – Level 1, 2 or 3.
Level 1 is the slowest AC charging and uses common household current, 120v, 3 prong outlet: 1.5kW (Up to 2kW). The purpose is overnight charging or for long parking duration.
Level 2 charges faster than level 1 and would be ideal for 4-5 hours spent at the mall (J1772 connector): AC Fast Charging (Up to 19kW) The purpose is overnight fast charging, convenience fast charging or for short-medium parking duration.
Level 3 is DC fast charging. Think about stopping to charge your vehicle on a long road trip while grabbing a 30 minute lunch. (CHAdeMO or CCS Combo): (Max power 400 kW) The purpose is fastest charging for the shortest duration.
Reservations / Availability
Use the App to see if a location that supports my vehicle’s connector type is available and reserve it!
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
Range
The faster the charge speed, the longer the EV driving range.
Is it fast enough to charge the battery to a desired level, if it is time limited?
Public chargers are often time limited to 30 minutes – 60 minutes of charging. Just enough time to grab lunch at the mall!
Businesses like malls, movie theaters and casinos expect longer charging periods, so you can find locations to charge up from empty to full on Level 2 or Level 3.
If you can’t find a conveniently located public EV Charger, then “Request A Public EV Charger” – put a pin on the map to suggest a location for future consideration.
I was going into my last quarter of undergrad at UCSD when I started interning at Makello. The internship was part of my Senior Project, and I enjoyed working with a diversely skilled team. I worked with people with experience in many fields including software/electrical engineering, solar installation, non-profit organizations, management experience, and GIS systems all united by a common goal: clean energy.
I recently completed my B.S. in Environmental Systems and Earth Sciences with a minor in Marine Sciences. I am pursuing a career to combat climate change to preserve our planet as we know it, but there is also a part of me that feels a societal obligation to help elevate the standard of living (if they want it) for people who do not have equal access to opportunities such as education, community resources, healthy foods, etc. I believe we live in a society to take care of each other, and generally, disadvantaged communities could use additional resources, so I was excited to work with a company that works closely with non-profit organizations, especially non-profits in disadvantaged communities, such as Groundwork San Diego. I am thrilled to be in a position, right out of college, where I can help combat both social and environmental justice.
The Makello Team (left to right) Agustin, Ola, Linda, Charlie
During my internship, we attended many events as both attendees and presenters, sometimes with Groundwork San Diego or our solar installation team. Examples of events were community activities, such as organized runs or home and garden shows, where we would provide information about electric vehicles and solar. We also attended car shows and electric vehicle focused events to stay current with new electric vehicle technology and to help explain their benefits to the public.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Part of my initial training was how to use solar design and cash flow analysis software, the site survey measurements and the customer’s goals to determine the Optimal System Size. I grew up doing home remodels and renovations during summers, so I enjoyed visiting different homes and seeing different styles of architecture and landscaping throughout San Diego. It was cool to see some existing solar arrays that customers had already installed too. It was also nice to be able to put a face to the customers whose proposals we were working on.
To estimate the production of a designed solar energy system, we used an online program, Aurora Solar. The program allows users to create 3D models of the house and surrounding area . Obstructions like trees or taller buildings could contribute to shading and loss of production. After the site is created, it is then possible to determine the optimal location for the modules, and the system can be designed with different module and inverter combinations and arrays. Then the model can be simulated to estimate the solar production for the first year.
Working on customer proposals and site surveys was my favorite part of the internship because it was a combination of computer design and modeling, hands on physical labor, and critical and analytical thinking. I still enjoy the same work, but now my Research Assistant position is 100% remote because we follow CDC guidelines to keep ourselves and our community safe. We used Makello’s software model to create the custom trade-off study proposals for each customer and automatically generate the correct price, ethically, without sales gimmicks.
Makello’s honesty and knowledge of energy efficiency, utility rates, solar power, electric vehicles, and battery storage, as well as assessing the needs of individual customers and their families, is what drives the high win rate with customer proposals. On more than one occasion, customers wanted to purchase more solar than they needed, or wanted a battery because they believed it would increase cost savings. Using Makello’s model, our team showed that, in fact, a smaller solar system is needed if replacing inefficient appliances, or changing the times the appliances are in use.
It was cool to meet customers and see awesome, unique solar arrays while on site surveys. We took measurements of the site area and roof slopes and evaluated the integrity of the roof, electric panel, and other necessary requirements to install solar. We also observed appliances and lighting and would make suggestions for appliance or behavioral changes to reduce energy consumption and costs.
I was excited to work on a diversely skilled team to create community pages for our website. We ended up creating a valuable tool with important information and graphics for San Diego communities. The pages had GIS Maps that displayed information on a variety of issues such as air quality, electric vehicle charging station locations, rebate eligibility, etc. We also included a list of different rebates and incentives for solar, electric vehicles and battery storage as well as information as to why they are beneficial to the environment and how they can save money. Click here to view the community pages.
Apple, under Steve Jobs’s leadership, revolutionized the cell phone industry and defined the smart phone as we know it today. Tesla is positioned to do the same for the automotive industry.
A gold Tesla Model 3 symbolizes the new standard for modern day vehicles.
In 2012, Tesla reinvented the electric vehicle with the Model S and captured people’s desire for clean, sexy, and powerful.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
Electric vehicles existed over a hundred years ago, but they failed to succeed in the consumer market. There were also electric cars in the market in the early 2000s, but they sacrificed speed and range to be environmentally-friendly. What Tesla did differently, was create a battery electric vehicle with a futuristic design. The speed and versatile functionality made simple by advanced technology, the durability that you can depend on, and the potential to improve with time. In a way, this is roughly the recipe for the first iPhone, but on wheels instead.
In 2008, a Tesla Roadster was ruthlessly mocked on Top Gear, the world’s most popular car show. Yet today, if you look at the Monthly Plug-In EV Sales Scorecard [2], you will find that more Teslas are sold in the U.S. than all other (42) Plug-In Vehicles combined. With Tesla finally becoming profitable in Q3 of 2018, Tesla’s stock has become one of those investments that many people wish they had made. However, deep down, I have always had doubts toward Tesla’s success.
In February, I decided to visit the “Meet – Greet – Share” event hosted by the San Diego Tesla Club at the Fashion Valley Mall Superchargers, to see if Tesla really is a challenger for the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car industry. The gathering of over fifty Teslas and over one hundred Tesla owners, employees, and supporters was impressive.
EV enthusiasts and interested community members gather at the San Diego Tesla Club’s “Meet-Greet- Share” Event at Fashion Valley to enjoy no emission, no noise driving.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
I enjoyed seeing a Roadster up close, even more than the one sent to space (see that one here).
Tesla Roadster. I guess the people at Top Gear weren’t impressed with the paint job? Well, a fast car should look fast!
It’s funny how dozens of Tesla owners just came here to plug into the Superchargers, but then found out about the meeting and stayed! And these Tesla owners, unlike how some are portrayed on the internet, are great people too. They welcomed a non-owner, like me, and were happy to share how their Teslas impacted their lives. Tesla owners are passionate; many said, “Once you got a Tesla, you can never go back [to any other Internal Combustion Engine cars].”
Contrary to what some harsh comments suggest on the internet, many of the Tesla owners are interested in seeing what the EV market has to offer and how various products have improved ever since Tesla helped to grow the EV market.
Tesla Employees and EV Enthusiasts come together to appreciate technological advancements.
The Tesla employees were friendly, too. Signing up to test drive a Model 3 was quick and easy. Bobby, the Tesla representative, was very thorough and professional in his explanation of the Model 3’s features.
The credit card-like car key means you can slip it easily in your wallet or purse instead of getting it scratched on the key chain. The Model 3 achieves efficient usability through the 15 inch touchscreen and the two sphere controls on the steering wheel that provide all of the customization for the driving experience.
The experience enters a new dimension once you start driving. The lack of engine noise provides a sense of peace and calm. The car starts instantly and can drive immediately, without needing to warm up. On a hot day, the cabin cools within seconds due to the seamless full width vent.
Once we got to the open road, Bobby encouraged me to put my foot down on the accelerator pedal. After stepping gently on the pedal several times, I said to him, “I am gonna give it the beans, you ready?” Bobby said, “Yeah.” I floored the accelerator pedal. Within 3 seconds, the silence of the sudden acceleration was interrupted by a warning beep for going over the 40 mph speed limit. In the process, Bobby almost spilled his coffee (good thing there was a lid). When the light turned green at the next intersection, I did it again. None of the other cars had moved by the time we were through the intersection.
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
Now, following the launch of the Model Y, there really is something “S-3-X-Y” in Tesla’s lineup. The excitement and innovation that Tesla products offer makes those of us who love cars, love them even more, and for those who never cared, can now find driving more enjoyable than ever.
Progress works in unique ways, even when it doesn’t happen easily or overnight. Not all of us can recognize the next big thing when it comes along, and some of us might even reject it at first. That’s why despite the challenges laid ahead of Tesla by profitability, layoffs, the stock market, and even the SEC, Tesla’s role in the history of automobile development is undeniable.
Today, we are at a turning point of automotive history, similar to when the early cars displaced the use of horses for transportation. It is our job to embrace the future that belongs to electric vehicles. When we face our grandchildren decades from today, we can proudly tell them, “We weren’t the ones crushed by the giant wheel of history. We were the ones who rode on it. In fact, we were in ludicrous mode on a Tesla.”
After the event ended, I test drove the MINI Countryman SE All4 featured in my last blog article (which you can read more here). The Countryman’s 0 – 60 mph time of 6.7 seconds isn’t slow at all, but it was not even close to the acceleration and thrill of driving the Model 3. Click on the videos below to learn more about EVs and how you can afford to get one for yourself!
Fisker Inc. Reveals Name of All-Electric Luxury SUV, App-Based Leasing Program. The Fisker Ocean is the world’s most sustainable vehicle: green materials and environmentally-conscious production processes complement future-forward technologies and stunning design touches. The vehicle can be experienced through a revolutionary mobile app-based flexible lease model: no long-term contracts, service and maintenance included. Reservations open Nov. 27; Unveil on Jan. 4. #ReinventTheSUV
The greenest vehicle on the market could be yours by 2021.
The Fisker Ocean is going to be a luxury SUV made from recycled and vegan materials featuring an all-electric drivetrain and up to 1000 miles of EV recharging per year.
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
Some of their most innovated features include a full length solar roof, fully recycled carpeting, a vegan interior, eco-suede, repurposed rubber, and of course its all electric model range.
Reservations open Nov 27th, 2019 and are available via their state-of-the-art app. There is no long term lease contract with their flexible lease model that is all executed through the app.
I met Charlie, the CEO and founder of Makello, during the summer while I was interning at Groundwork San Diego’s EarthLab in partnership with UC San Diego’s Center on Global Justice. While at the EarthLab, I was a college mentor for Groundwork’s High School Green Team. We were learning about electric vehicles, and Charlie was one of the guests who volunteered his time to come speak to us about the benefits, technology, and affordability of Plug-In Vehicles.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
The first time I met him was with the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego. Charlie and other members of the EV Association came to the EarthLab and spoke to us about electric vehicles, their experiences with them, why they loved them, and allowed us to ride along in their vehicles!
Charlie and other members of the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego met with Groundwork San Diego’s High School Green Team.
Charlie volunteered his time on four occasions during the four week program. The second time I met him, he and Songxuan came to the EarthLab to do a solar and electric vehicle demonstration. We used solar ovens, metal sheets that reflect sunlight into a concentrated location, to heat up solar chili and cornbread. It was so good! He also gave us a quick presentation on “What to Know About Plug-In Vehicles”. The presentation was really cool because he demonstrated how the car, a MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, could be used as a battery bank, using it to power the laptops and monitor, and explained how solar could charge up the car. We also got to look at the battery packs for his converted Plug-In Prius.
During his presentations to us, he acknowledged that he was a small business owner, but never tried to sell us on his products. Instead he explained how the technology worked, why the technology is more environmentally and community friendly, and how the technology could, in fact, be made affordable to families in disadvantaged communities. Solar and electric vehicle adoption contributes to safer, cleaner communities. Less greenhouse gases and smog are emitted from cars and power plants, leading to better air quality in communities.
Makello, Groundwork San Diego, and EVgo grand opening at Northgate Market at 1410 S 43rd St, San Diego, CA 92113; 4 CCS/SAE 50kW and 5 CHAdeMO 50kW EV Chargers.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Charlie was also at the grand opening of the EVgo public charging stations at Northgate Market in the Chollas Creek Community that Groundwork helped sponsor and EarthLab’s Green Team attended.
The final presentation for my Groundwork San Diego/EarthLab internship that Charlie attended. Also in attendance were UCSD professors, Groundwork San Diego staff, EVgo staff, and Chollas Creek Community members.
Charlie also attended the final presentation for my summer internship at Groundwork San Diego. I appreciated how Charlie volunteered so much of his time to EarthLab and the Green Team, and I could see myself working for someone whose business motivation does not come from maximizing profits, but is rooted in education, conservation, and community well being. I exchanged contact information and soon had an internship with Makello! More information about my Makello internship is available here.
Thank you everyone, for attending North County Climate Change Alliance’s “What to Know About Plug-In Vehicles” presentation at Vista Library! It was an honor for me to have all of you as my audience and I hope you enjoy my presentation as well as the wonderful Plug-In Vehicles we brought.
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Maybe you got a chance to see some of these great Plug-In Vehicles on display:
Jaguar I-Pace
Kuberg E-Motorcycle
Honda Clarity
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Ioniq
Fiat 500 EV
Nissan Leaf
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Volt
MINI Countryman Plug-In
Toyota Prius Prime
Pedego E-Bikes
Tesla Model 3
For the 80 attendees, and for those of you that couldn’t make it to the event, you can view or download the slides below as well. Soon you will be able to watch the entire presentation on Makello’s YouTube channel.
For the 80 attendees, and for those of you that couldn’t make it to the event, you can watch the entire presentation on Makello’s YouTube channel.
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
If you like the slides, you can also view or download them below.
A big thank you to North County Climate Change Alliance for making this amazing event happened! We look forward to participating in more great events from NCCCA.
To tell my grandparents that I’ve fallen in love with a countryman, might send them into a panic. Today, spending time with a countryman is more desirable than ever before, because of the cute and cuddly Plug-In MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4.
Many people think, being a MINI, the Countryman would have to be small. That’s not true at all. It’s designed to accommodate a driver that is 6’3” tall. With a dimension of 169.8 in x 71.7 in x 61.4 in, the Countryman looks like a giant next to the original Austin Mini. It sits 5 people comfortably and still has 17.2 ft3 of cargo space. Unlike the two-door MINI Cooper S, the Countryman is practical and works well as a family car. The Countryman’s exterior inherits MINI’s tradition of an abundant selection of customizations. You can pick multiple selections of rich colors, for the body, trim, mirrors and racing stripes. You can add sporty black wheel rims, and my personal favorite — the irresistible union jack mirror caps! When you finish customizing your car, it feels almost as if you completed a piece of artwork. When the Countryman is delivered, the art comes alive.
My personalized Plug-In MINI Cooper SE Countryman All4
The excitement doesn’t stop when you get inside. Just like any MINI, it is almost impossible to find a right angle in the interior design of the Countryman, everything you can see is round and curvy. Grabbing onto the steering wheel, flicking the toggles on the dashboard, stepping on the floor-mounted accelerator pedal, even turning the AC knob, makes you realize the Countryman is exquisite and refined. You can also tell some serious thought went into the designing the Countryman from the beautiful circular LED light ring on the dashboard displaying both battery status and AC setting, the secret storage space on the door panel and the fashionable design of charging port plus another LED light ring displaying charging status. The Countryman as a car then, is the opposite of a countryman.
However, don’t think for a second, that since the Countryman only has a three cylinder engine, it is all hat and no cattle. Because you know what else has a 3-cylinder engine?
The 3-cylinder, fast and beautiful BMW i8!
Taking a leaf out of the Halo Plug-In Vehicle in the BMW Group, the Countryman has a 134 hp gas engine driving its front wheels and a 65 kW electric motor driving the ones in the back, giving it a total of 221 hp and 284 ft-lbs [1]. The hybrid powertrain results in a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, making this compact SUV as fast as some hot hatchbacks, and certainly a lot livelier than the Plug-In Hybrids in the same price range.
More importantly, the powertrain gives the Countryman an intelligent all-wheel drive system that saves the day when you need it and saves fuel when you don’t by letting you choose different driving modes [2]: In the default AUTO eDRIVE, the Countryman is AWD while balancing output between the electric motor and the ICE for max efficiency. You don’t get four-wheel drive in a battery EV until you choose the expensive dual-motor version, which is not even available for many EVs.
For a short commute, you can select MAX eDRIVE, and the 7.6 kWh battery allows you to experience driving a RWD fully electric car up to 77 mph, rated for up to 24 miles. In the real world, you might expect 18 miles of quiet fully electric driving. A federal tax credit of up to $4,000 will pay for a lifetime of EV charging on the go, too!
If you are nowhere near a charging station and you want the benefit of reserving the EV boost for the mountain uphill, you can choose SAVE mode and run on the gas engine alone. Otherwise, for blended driving with gas and electric combined horsepower, you can use “AUTO” mode. When you are ready to unleash your inner child and have some fun, you can press the accelerator pedal and immediately, the electric motor is summoned to give you a sensational eboost. For an over-the-top thrill, switch to Sport Mode and leave the muscle cars at the starting line with instant EV torque. Regenerative braking captures the energy from braking and recharges the battery for more EV driving at the bottom of the mountain.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
In any case, with enough juice in the battery, the all-wheel-drive system will always keep you safe and in control, may it be from hydroplaning on an icy road, pothole on a poorly-built road, or even some mild off-roading on a trail. [3]
For people with doubts toward fully electric cars and range anxiety, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman All4 is an ideal first step to take. It joins fuel efficiency and driving pleasure in perfect harmony by focusing more on the benefits (fuel economy, extra boost, and intelligent all-wheel-drive) rather than the disadvantages (range, weight) of an EV. The Countryman gives you a taste of what the world is like in an electric car (which is great, seeing how passionate EV owners are about their cars) while the Plug-In Hybrid setup acts as a safety net in case you get cold feet on the commitment to an EV owner’s lifestyle.
When you drive a MINI Cooper SE Countryman All4, it appeals to the innocent child in your heart that you once were and deep down, still want to be, by encouraging you to enjoy life through driving, even where the road is wet and muddy. When you get behind the steering wheel, you can almost hear every component of the Countryman joining together in a chorus, singing “Go have some fun! Do it! Be passionate about your life! Go for it!”
So yes, I have fallen incurably in love with a Countryman, for it brings happiness to my life without asking me to compromise. Except the part that I have to explain to my grandparents that I am still single, of course.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Would you also fall in love with a Countryman? You never know until you meet one. Join us at the Green Energy EPC booth on the 34th Spring Home and Garden Show this weekend!
Del Mar Fairgrounds Spring Home and Garden ShowMakello and Green Energy EPC Spring Home and Garden Show
When Ferdinand Piëch was in charge of Volkswagen, the company was an empire in the automotive industry. Their ambition and pursuit of engineering perfection was beyond the world’s imagination. Times, however, have changed.
When Ferdinand Piëch was in charge of Volkswagen, the company was an empire in the automotive industry. They purchased Rolls Royce just to get their hands on Bentley, they resurrected Bugatti by building a car that broke the production car top speed record, and they built a car with a Volkswagen badge that could rival the Mercedes S-Class. Their ambition and pursuit of engineering perfection was beyond the world’s imagination. Times, however, have changed.
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Under Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagen earned a new engineering award for cheating in emission tests, known as Diesel Gate. Volkswagen was fine $25 billion in the United States and Europe, several top executives faced criminal charges, and Winterkorn inevitably resigned. You can really tell the former glory of the empire was gone when Volkswagen take the famous “Das Auto” slogan out of their advertisement. Despite this massive and almost unforgivable mistake, I still haven’t lost faith in Volkswagen’s ability to return to its former glory. After all, no other car company underwent the redemption of having a car built under the orders of one of the world’s most evil dictators turned into a symbol of love and fashion, and as a result, one of the best selling cars in the world. As I stood in front of the VW exhibition stand, looking at this almighty car, I sensed a powerful comeback from Volkswagen to seize the crown of the automotive industry.
Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition on 2018 LA Auto Show
No, not the Beetle Final Edition (although I do feel slight sad that it is going away), it is the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak!
Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak electric racer 2018 LA Auto Show
Ever since 1916, drivers and manufacturers have been pushing themselves and their race cars to the absolute limit by climbing 4720 ft on this 12.42 mile track with over 156 turns and chasing after the outright record. In this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak, in the hands of Romain Dumas, completed the course with a time of 7:57.148 minutes, breaking the 8 minute barrier for the first time. Not just the fastest in it class, not just the fastest Volkswagen, and not just the fastest electric car, the fastest ever, over 15 seconds faster the old record holder, that monster Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak driven by Sébastien Loeb back in 2013. [1] The all-electric ID. R, with an electric motor on each axle, weighs just under 2500 lbs and produces 680 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 0-60 mph time of 2.25 seconds — faster than even Formula 1 and Formula E cars. [2] Arriving in Colorado with the goal of beating the electric car record of 8:57.118, Dumas and the ID. R outperformed even Volkswagen’s own expectations and established a new benchmark for electric race cars.
Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak electric racer 2018 LA Auto Show
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Now you might think, a one-off race car is nowhere close to our day-to-day electric cars and therefore its advanced technologies are unpractical for production electric cars. However, the ID. R is just the tip of an iceberg in Volkswagen’s operation to become the number one electric vehicle manufacturer. Following the events of Diesel Gate, VW group reached an agreement with the U.S. government to ease its punishment by setting up and provided $2 billion of funding to Electrify America, a company committed to be “a catalyst for promoting Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by offering transformative, customer-centric infrastructure and energy management solutions”. [3] In Europe, VW group teamed up with BMW, Daimler and Ford to establish Ionity, a joint venture with the mission to build a pan-European high-power-charging network for electric vehicles to facilitate long-distance travel. [4] The advantage of such large scope charging networks is that they will be compatible with majority of the electric vehicles on the market, unlike Tesla’s Supercharger. As the effects of climate change continue to develop globally, such push for electric vehicle adoption would be inevitable in the future, this punishment to Volkswagen may turn out to be a step that enables it stay ahead in the game of future mobility.
Furthermore, many of the technologies seen on today’s everyday cars were adopted from racing technology. New ideas were often developed and tested to the extreme in motorsports, then emerged as mature versions for consumers. This is also the case in electric vehicles. The way manufacturers got around the problem of limited range and long charging time in Formula E was simply switching to a different car, but drivers of the new generation of Formula E racers no longer had to jump out of their seat in the middle of a race with the help of improved fast charging. In 2019, Porsche will start production of the Taycan, an electric sports car capable of recharging 80% of its batteries in just 15 minutes through Porsche’s 350 kW Electric Pit Stop. [5] And there is reason to believe that as time goes by, this technology will be equipped on a more affordable car under the VW group.
The Volkswagen Microbus was once very popular in the United States. It first caught on in Europe because of its massive space for passengers and cargo, but in this country, that space was saved for freedom and love. The adorable expression of the Microbus has made it a symbol of freedom, an ambassodor of love, and a moving reflection of the American spirit. In the recent years, the model got reduced down to the Transporter T6, a mundane MPV that has as little styling as a cargo van. Over the years, VW has tried to revive the legend with the Microbus concept, the Bulli concept, and the BUDD-e concept [6], each is more electrified and futuristic than the other but all are missing that cute factor on the original Microbus that makes your heart beat faster. As the techonology of electric vehicles matures, a group of enthusiastic people started to convert their old Microbus into EVs and thus gave them a chance to shine again, but the rest of us are just waiting in disappointment for Volkswagen to make a comeback, until now.
Emerging in VW’s production plan, along with the ID., is the ID. Buzz, a new Microbus concept car that by far resembles the original Microbus the most. And this time, they are for real. It will be based on VW’s MEB platform, and the U.S. market can expect to see a production version on the road in 2022. May I just say, the world needs more of this clean technology, and more importantly, our eyes need more of this beauty.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo concept on 2018 LA Auto Show
If we look back in history, every birth of a Volkswagen icon occurred at one of the company’s hardest times. The Beetle rose from the wreckage of the Wolfsburg factory following the end of WWII; the Golf emerged after sales (even for the Beetle) plummeted in the 70s; and now following a massive scandal and the decreasingly important role for internal combustion engines, the ID. family is ready to make history. The Chinese word for “crisis” is consisted of the words “danger” and “opportunity”. The way I see it, despite the danger from sanctions imposed by the U.S. government and the loss of public trust, Volkswagen is working hard to turn this crisis into an opportunity for redemption at this turning point of the automotive history. And one day in the near future, the folks at Volkswagen will reach that goal, making the true cars of the people in the form of zero-emission vehicles, just like the way they envisioned it in the company’s very own name.
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The Rivian R1T’s stadium-shaped headlights and the daytime running light bar form a striking expression that you cannot forget. The front grill looks like a face with the eyes and nose flipped upside down. Who would give a car a face like that?
Front view of Rivian R1T electric truck on 2018 LA Auto Show
But being next to a R1T at the LA Auto Show, I come to realization that Rivian’s design is highly distinguishable, incredibly futuristic, and surprisingly attractive.
Tesla is the market leader in electric vehicles, but other companies strive to challenge Tesla for relevance in the electric revolution. By focusing on outdoor adventure electric vehicles, Rivian becomes more than just an electric car company. Designed for freedom, the essence of a Rivian promises the spirit of an adventurer, with the power to conquer any hill, and the clean conscious lifestyle of zero emissions.
Rivian’s designers have cleverly used the middle section of the daytime running light as a charge light indicator, adding some user friendliness to this clean design. The full width tail light and the word “Rivian” in that oversized font also make the R1T stand out with its modern yet rugged style.
Back view of Rivian R1T electric truck on 2018 LA Auto Show
Speaking of lights, did I mention there is a flashlight hidden in the door panel of the two front doors? Not only is this a re-interpretation of Rolls-Royce’s famous umbrella concept (since Rivian’s users wouldn’t mind a little rain), but it also act as a showcase of the company’s technology. The flashlights are each powered by a battery cell exactly like the ones in the traction battery pack powering the truck. The weight and feel of the flashlight is sturdy and reassuringly reliable.
Another advantage of electric vehicles is the abundance of space where there would normally be a gear box and internal combustion engine. At the front, there is 330L of storage space under the hood; in the back, the full-size spare tire under the floor of the cargo bed is an improvement over the Hennessey Raptor whose cargo bed is entirely occupied by its spare tire. Automatic features include a 180 degree ergonomic folding tailgate and a retractable tonneau waterproof cover is an innovation that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Now, criminals, have you struggled to put a body in your car? Do you have trouble transporting a nuclear warhead discreetly with your vehicle? Well, good news! The 350L gear tunnel in front of the rear axle that extends from one side of the vehicle to another is here for you! Just kidding, the gear tunnel won’t help you escape justice, but it will give outdoor adventurers plenty of room for and easy access to their gears without climbing into the cargo bed. This unconventionally located space is the best proof of Rivian going to great lengths to solve users’ pain points.
Storage space in a Rivian R1T electric truck
One of the reasons why electric vehicles didn’t have a bigger market share today is the public’s concern over range. Rivian overcame range anxiety by controlling temperature and battery performance in a thermally managed sandwich beneath the vehicle. Two layers of 432 cylindrical lithium ion battery cells in each of its modules are separated by a cool plate between two layers of battery cells. As a result, the Rivian R1T having 180 kWh battery pack is capable of 400+ miles range. Even the basic 105 kWh version is capable of 250+ miles.
The electric platform of the Rivian R1T electric truck
A terrifying 750 horsepower and 14,000 Nm of torque gives the R1T truck a supercar like 0-60 mph time of 3 seconds while retaining the pickup practicality with five tons of towing capacity.
What interests me the most, however, is its off-road capabilities. Many performance electric vehicles are equipped with four wheel drive simply by fitting an electric motor on each axle, but Rivian took a step further and built their four wheel drive system by fitting an electric motor for each wheel. This is good, because this four wheel drive system will be properly put to use when Rivian’s passionate users takes them through the roughest terrain in their adventures.
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The R1T is also capable of wading through a meter of water (good for evacuating from sea level rise and climate change accelerated storms), made possible by a watertight carbon fiber composite battery shell which is then covered by a smooth “ballistic shield” in the underbody of the vehicle. I still remember bursting into laughter when I saw Richard Hammond drove the G63 AMG 6×6 through a one-meter deep pool in Abu Dhabi on Top Gear, and I am sure watching the R1T do that would look just as good.
I once worried that the automotive industry’s trend toward electrification, autonomy, and connectivity, might extinguish the personal connection we feel between ourselves and our machines, making the world less exciting. But, Rivian is pioneering a new field of electric vehicles with the spirit of adventure in each of its products. I have faith that Rivian and their 600 employees, will have the strength to conquer the competitive challenges and establish its name. Behind the wheel of a Rivian, one can enjoy the amazing gift of nature that Mother Earth has provided, while preserving it for our grandchildren, with zero emissions driving.
Click on the videos below to learn more about Makello and Electric Vehicles.
Because there are dual fuel sources in a Plug-In Hybrid vehicle, you wouldn’t expect it’s possible to run out of both, but it’s easier than you think. Results can vary drastically based on your personal driving habits and how often you plug-in.
Running Out of Fuel in a Plug-In Hybrid is harder than you think.
For example, my Toyota Prius Plug-In gets anywhere from 500 – 1000 miles per gas tank. If most of my driving is short local trips, it’s closer to 1,000 miles. After the gas light starts blinking, it might be 3 or 4 weeks of daily commute driving before the car actually runs out of gas.
Under those conditions recently, the “Add Fuel” message on start up and the blinking dashboard light no longer registered a conscious warning. I started out on a road trip and ran out of gas in the worst of all places, between towns in the California desert near Arizona and Nevada.
Wipomo project leader Ron Gremban, tested, evaluated and documented a Plug-In Hybrid Conversion product for an international manufacturer in advance of submission to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for Aftermarket Plug-In Hybrid Certification.
