Israel's drive for energy independence creating wave of sustainable start ups
The Arava Power Company is planning the Middle East's first commercial solar farm. Photograph: Noa Magger
Outside Israel's first ever fuel choices summit in Tel Aviv, earlier this month, delegates zipped around Habima Square on a futuristic-looking Muv-e, a portable, lightweight, electric scooter designed to travel at up to 25mph.
Weighing in at 30lbs, it was one of a dozen or so sustainable transport options being exhibited at the summit on the 12 to 13 November as part of the Israeli government's fuel choices initiative.
There were spaceship-like, solar-powered overhead transport pods for cities, cars running on a battery powered by fresh air from a company called Phinergy, and a detachable electric battery which can be fixed to any bicycle from a venture named Cycli. The battery is expected to be on the market next year for about $300.
The Muv-e creation can be folded and wheeled on to public transport and is also due on the market next year for around $2,000 to $3,000, with a battery radius of roughly 7 miles. Also, on show was BeemCar, a proposed alternative to light rail, run on solar panels and designed to travel overhead in busy cities. It would offer 67% energy savings over an urban bus, say its creators.
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/israel-energy-sustainable-start-ups
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So, the Israelis have harnessed Pylon technology, I suppose.
