I switched over to an electric car today. It is a Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor (AWD). It doesn’t have Enhanced Autopilot (that is an add on option). It isn't the higher end performance version.
I live about 20 miles outside of Manhattan in New Jersey. I am a pretty frequent mass transit user, but use a car most days to get around. I strongly support further expansion of mass transit which tends to focus, in NJ, on getting in and out of NYC. NJ has 900,00 daily mass transit users and NYC has the largest mass transit systems in the country.
For the past 5 years I have leased 2 consecutive Ford Fusion plug in hybrid cars with the ultimate goal of purchasing a 100% non internal combustion engine (aka ICE) car. I attend the NYC car show every year, quizing carmakers on where their upcoming technology is headed. This past Spring, I saw ICE cars, pure electrics, hydrogen fuel cell, plug in hybrids, and diesels. Carmakers seem somewhat confused about where the market is going. And many Americans are not really interested in high mileage vehicles. Carmakers love to sell gas guzzler SUV’s and trucks because the profit margin is so high.
But I like high mileage vehicles. My Ford Fusion Energi plug in hybrid gets a combined effective mileage of about 60 mpg (44 mpg on hybrid, “999 mpg” on electric). And it had a lot of really great amenities. It only has about 20 miles of electric range, but if I am only running errands or making short trips I can just plug it in again and hardly ever fill the gas tank. It has some downsides: the battery takes up half the trunk and Ford has decided not to make the car anymore. My lease is up next month so I decided the time was right to ditch the ICE car.
Competing Technologies
I kind of feel sorry for car companies. Many are making several different types of car technologies. That has to be expensive and complex.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell: Toyota is making the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car. It is pretty cool BUT, there were only 3 hydrogen filling stations in the entire tri-state area as of last Spring. Hyundai (NEXO) and Honda (Clarity) are also doing hydrogen fuels cell cars. So maybe in 10 years......
Diesel: Guess what, a couple companies got into serious criminal trouble for manipulating their software to make it look like their emissions were low. 2 VW executives are in jail for this and the former CEO of VW parent company Audi was arrested a few months ago. VW has paid many Billions in fines and judgements. Porche also got in trouble for this.
Electric: The biggest issue for widespread adoption of electric card has been range anxiety. Most people want at least 200 miles range and until recently almost no company was producing cars with high range. Now there are a few. The reality is that electric motors are simply much more efficient than ICE (internal combustion engines).
https://insideevs.com/efficiency-compared-battery-electric-73-hydrogen-22-ice-13/
Electric cars also have many fewer moving parts. Many fewer parts to repair, wear out.
Right now, I could buy a high range pure electric Chevy Bolt for not too bad a price. The range is good (238 miles). But I don’t really like it. I think it is ugly. And I am pretty into aesthetics. I also don’t like GM very much. In case you didn’t follow this, GM was responsible for killing about 150 people and injuring many others because they did not want to upgrade to a $1 more expensive ignition switch. No one went to jail for that.
The Nissan Leaf is pretty nice and a good price. It gets 151 mile range. Next year it will get 220 miles range.
Three years ago I considered a Tesla, but the Model S and X were too expensive for me. I was pretty excited when I read about Tesla making a lower cost, mass produced electric called the Model 3. I know a few people with the Model S and they all like them. I didn't put a deposit on a Model 3 in 2016 because I had just signed a 3 year lease on my Ford Fusion.
Obviously, if you read the news, it took Tesla months longer to ramp up production than they projected. And they won't start making the $35,000 base model for a few more month. I had always planned to get the long range upgrade (310 mile) and I saw that they were making a dual motor (AWD) so I put a refundable deposit on one in March 2018, put a full order in on July 2 and am picking it up today (Nov. 2).
As an added bonus, electric cars have instant torque. My car will have a 0-60 of about 4.5 seconds. That's not why I would buy it, but it kind of sounds like fun.
Financial Incentives for Converting to non-ICE (electric, H2 fuel cell) cars
Counties, cities, and states are incentivizing non-ICE car purchases.
EVERY single manufacturer can provide their purchasers with a $7500 federal tax credit, but only for the first 200,000 cars they sell. Yes, every non-ICE car manufacturer provides their purchasers with a total of $1.5 billion dollars per manufacturer to get ICE cars off the road. Early adopters, who bear more risk, get that incentive.
Nissan and GM still have a ways to go to hit 200,000 units sold, but Tesla reached 200,000 at the end of June 2018. The tax credit for purchasers for Tesla phases out based on delivery date ($7500 on or before Dec 31, 2018; $3750 from Jan 1 to June 30, 2019; and $1875 between July 1 and Dec 31, 2019). The competitive cost advantage of having a tax credit and being first out of the gate disappears for Tesla just as other manufacturers are being pushed by high Tesla sales into non-ICE car production. Several other manufacturers are hot on their heels. This is all good for getting ICE cars off the road!! I am going to get the full $7500 tax credit.
In New Jersey, I will pay ZERO sales tax for my electric car. That's because I live in a state that is incentivizing getting ICE cars off the road. I am sorry if you live in a less enlightened state. Pressure your leaders to care more about the environment
But, What is the Source of your Electricity, you ask? And what is the global warming emission of electric cars on a life Cycle basis
Every state produces electricity using a different mix of fossil fuel, nuclear, natural gas and sustainable sources such as solar, wind etc. On the positive side, with the proper leaders in place, our electric supply can become more and more sustainable. The Union of Concerned Scientists (which is a highly regarded group) did a state by state analysis of this issue as it relates to ICE vs electric cars as well as life cycle emission. I invite you to read it. " Over their lifetime, battery electric vehicles produce far less global warming pollution than their gasoline counterparts—and they’re getting cleaner."
How many miles per gallon would a gas car have to achieve to produce global warming emissions equivalent to an EV? The answer depends on where you live. Numbers based on the EPA's eGRID 2015 database.
https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/life-cycle-ev-emissions#.W9xtGi2ZNBz
Solar Power at my House
I really want to install solar panels on my house. It makes sense financially and environmentally. My husband is not onboard right now. But, hopefully I can convince him. My brother in California has a solar paneled house and an electric car. He was years ahead of most people.
But What about the Cobalt issue in Electric Car Batteries?
All lithium ion batteries (your cell phone, laptop, camera or electric car) contain some cobalt to stabilize the cathode. The issue is that the main source of cobalt is the Democratic Republic of Congo and there are serious ethical issues in DRC mining. EVERY battery maker is looking to reduce or eliminate cobalt in their batteries through engineering solutions. Tesla has reduced their use of cobalt by almost 60% and is committed to further reductions. They have also had some sourcing issues: a Canadian supplier was sourcing from Cuba (which is still under the Embargo) so that ended. This is a battery engineering and chemistry issue that needs to be solved. Wholesale recycling will also happen, because the chemistry is too expensive to throw away.
But Tesla does not use UAW workers
That is true. I think it is possible they will vote to unionize at some point.
But what about worker safety?
I used to chair the EHS (Environment Health and Safety) committee for my company's entire research division so I take that issue seriously. Tesla did have injury rates (predominantly repetitive stress injuries) higher than established carmakers, 8.8 per 100 workers versus 6.7 per 100 for the industry standard in 2015. They were accused of under reporting injuries in the Reveal report. This has been investigated for the last 4 months by Cal-OSHA. Tesla said very recently that the under-reporting was debunked by this OSHA investigation, but I will wait to see the official report.
Crash Tests Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 has NHTSA 5 stars over all and 5 stars in every sub-category. It also has a very low roll-over potential because of its low center of gravity.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/TESLA/MODEL%2525203/4%252520DR/RWD
But You Don't like Elon Musk
You hate billionaires; Elon Musk does and says some crazy stuff. Well, yeah, you got a point there.
Who Does Not Want You to Buy an Electric Car or a Tesla?
Fossil fuel producers, gas stations, ICE car manufacturers, car part manufacturers, ICE repair shops, short sellers (of Tesla stock), auto dealers (Tesla does not use a franchise system, only showrooms; I bought my car online).
]]>
The sub-zero temperatures in New Jersey didn't deter our walk in the Watching Reservation today. The Blue Brook yielded some interesting ice patterns, although I had to walk very gingerly across the glassy ice to get to them. I am loving my new camera, a Nikon D850 and the updated 105mm Nikkor macro lens I recently bought after selling off four older lenses.
]]>
I cried over beautiful things knowing no beautiful thing lasts. ~ Carl Sandburg
It is still beautiful but you can tell the trees are slightly beyond peak in the woods behind my house. Close to the house the leaves on the ground are still colorful but down near the stream they are drained of color.
Some fiery maples are still to be found. A backlit autumn maple is hard to beat.
The native witch hazels (Hammamelis virginians) are blooming. This is normal for them and contrasts with Spring blooming hybrids. It certainly is a treat to see their yellow, spidery flowers. I recently learned that witch hazel branches were traditionally used as divining rods to locate sources of water in olden days.
Dave liked these special maple leaves with their day-glow veining.
A man and his dog..... Lucy and Dave walk in the reservation nearly every day. Lucy really needs a haircut!
We are going to get heavy rain tomorrow, which will make all the colors look especially saturated. But the leaves will soon be gone after that, so I plan to enjoy them.
]]>Every year, the park behind my house glows in October. As a nature photographer, I am endlessly fascinated by the variations the stream provides as the leaves float around. Here are some images from yesterday's meanderings.
At the right time of the day, the trees and sky reflect off the water, making the view a confusion of sky, trees, water and leaves.
The water ripples around the leaves, but its fleeting shapes can be captured; each moment in time unique.
Sometimes I see a particular leaf and it seems like the most special leaf in the world for a few minutes. I know it will soon be gone.
Different species, colors and shapes floating on the water are like a calico quilt. I like the ones that are upside down.
Can you tell that some some of these leaves are on the surface of the water and some are underneath it?
It is almost blindingly bright in the late afternoon sun. Long shadows are so exciting, but the warm sun will soon dry the leaves out to a crispy brown.
]]>I stumbled upon photos from the three week trip our family took in 2007 to the desert Southwest. We visited the main Utah parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, Capital Reef), as well as The Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Culture, Mesa Verde, Durango and Hovenweep. Great memories and an amazing part of the country.
]]>
I have a pretty extensive houseplant collection. It makes the house feel very alive to me. After summering outside, I bring them back into the house when frost look imminent. The cooler temperatures many times trigger a bloom spike on my orchids. Here is one called Zygopetalum maculatum. It has a wonderful scent, reminiscent of hyacinths. I bought this at Trader Joe's a few years ago! For these photographs, this was the set up:
Nikon D800E camera; Zeiss Makro-Planar 100 mm macro lens; 8 images (8 sec exposure, f/11, existing light, white paper backdrop) stacked in Helicon Focus software.
]]>
Here are a couple new examples of images I made using focus stacking to increase depth of field. Numerous images, each focused in a slightly different plane, are integrated in Helicon Focus software.
My garden is an ever changing source of natural wonder. My latest fancy is water gardening. I have been waiting with anticipation for my tropical water lily (Nymphaea 'William McLane' ) to bloom. After traveling for nearly a month, it is good to be home, tending the garden.
]]>
My reception is today at SOMI Fine Art in Flemington, NJ.
Havana: Rhythms of Life in Cuba features portraits of people I met during my 2012 trip to Cuba. The viewer is meant to see commonalities that we all share as humans. In addition, the strength of the human spirit is something my subjects exhibit. I hope you can see the show March 1-31st and come to the reception on March 15th 4-8 PM at SOMI. It is free to the public and there will be refreshments. I would love to discuss my experiences on the trip with you!
SOMI Fine Art is located at 50 Mine Street, in the Stangl Factory Building in the heart of historic Flemington, NJ. (908)237-1700
Here is some press about the show:
Courier News - Gannett Newspapers
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
Although my ongoing photography show "Havana, Rhythms of Life in Cuba" at SOMI Fine Art is mostly about portraiture, I know some of you just love those classic cars that are in Cuba. So, I will also have some prints available of these amazing, historic cars. The show is running March 1-31st.
This Saturday, March 15th 4-8 PM, I am having a reception from 4-9 PM. Free and open to the public, with refreshments.
SOMI is at 50 Mine Street in the heart of historic Flemington, New Jersey.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
I am getting excited about my reception this coming Saturday at SOMI Fine Art in Flemington, NJ.
Havana: Rhythms of Life in Cuba features portraits of people I met during my 2012 trip to Cuba. The viewer is meant to see commonalities that we all share as humans. In addition, the strength of the human spirit is something my subjects exhibit. I hope you can see the show March 1-31st and come to the reception on March 15th 4-8 PM at SOMI. It is free to the public and there will be refreshments. I would love to discuss my experiences on the trip with you!
SOMI Fine Art is located at 50 Mine Street, in the Stangl Factory Building in the heart of historic Flemington, NJ. (908)237-1700
Here is some press about the show:
Courier News - Gannett Newspapers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
Hard to believe it's been 10 years today that my dad passed away. Journalist, electronic intelligence analyst. Served in WWII and Korean War, fought the Cold War and saw tremendous societal changes during his lifespan. Social liberal, defense hawk, married to a beautiful woman named Rita Marie Stransky, father of 8, hopeless romantic. I put together a slide show of his life to commemorate his passing. He loved Ravel, so that is the soundtrack.
Here is his Obit:
Paul DeCamp Sr. WASHINGTON, D.C. #45;- Paul W. DeCamp Sr., 81, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004, in Washington D.C. Memorial services were held Feb. 28. Burial will be at 1 p.m. April 14, at Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors. Mr. DeCamp was born Feb. 5, 1923, in Muscatine. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in engineering and journalism, University of Dayton with a degree in physics, the USAAF Communications Officer School at Yale University, and technical and tactical Air Force radio countermeasures schools. He was one of the pioneers of modern American electronics intelligence and warfare programs. Serving at Fifteenth Air Force Headquarters in Italy during the latter part of World War II, he was one of a band of officers directing the attack on German air defense equipment, principally the infamous 'Small Wurzburg' anti-aircraft gunlaying radar. This effort, along with a parallel program in the Eighth Air Force in England, is widely credited with saving many B-17 and B-24 strategic bombers and their crews. After a four-year postwar stint with the Iowa City Press-Citizen as a feature and technical writer, he was recalled to active duty as an ELINT (Electronics Intelligence) officer in the Korean War. Based in Japan through 1951, he flew a tour of combat ELINT collection missions over Communist areas in an ERB-29 'laboratory ferret', capturing high-priority threat signals, sometimes under enemy fire. A notable accomplishment was his acquisition of vital detail on target enemy signals by high-speed state-of-the art pulse-to-pulse photography of radar intercepts. He received numerous commendations and medals for his service, including the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters. For the next 30 years, he was a technical ELINT analyst and manager on the national level for Headquarters USAF and the National Security Agency. For most of this time he served on the U.S. national electronics intelligence committee and predecessor bodies. For three years he was the committee's chairman and an influential figure in Allied programs worldwide. For 10 years within the Defense Department he was functionally the U.S. chief technical ELINT analyst, frequently leading American delegations at Allied conferences guiding ELINT programs against Communist countries during the Cold War. For six years following retirement from government, he was an ELINT engineer and consultant for BDM Corporation. He was a senior member of the Association of Old Crows, the international electronics warfare body, also a contributor to and one of the subjects of 'The History of U.S. Electronic Warfare'. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Silver Spring, Md., for 40 years. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Rita Stransky DeCamp; eight children, Susan M. DeCamp, Paul W. DeCamp Jr., John M. DeCamp, James L. DeCamp, and Karen M. DeCamp, all of the Washington, D.C. area, Mary DeCamp Cuthbertson of Lexington, S.C., Dr. Ann DeCamp of Scotch Plains, N.J., and Joseph S. DeCamp of Highland Park, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including Mary Ann Tooman, Frank Nelson and Ronald Schmarje, all of Muscatine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Addie Lindley DeCamp; twin sisters, Dorothea Nelson and Doris Schmarje; and a brother, Edwin DeCamp.
]]>
I was thrilled to see one of my photograph selected as the highlighted image in the Metropolitan section of today's NY Times arts calendar!
The show is going to run March 1-31 in Flemington at SOMI Fine Art Gallery. Reception on March 15th 4-8 PM. Free to the public. More info at (908)237-1700 and on the SOMI website. SOMI Fine Art Gallery is located at 50 Mine Street in Flemington, NJ
March 1-31st "Havana: Rhythms of Life in Cuba"
Photographs by Ann DeCamp
Artist's Reception ~ March 15th, 2014 (4-8 PM)
Honoring Veterans today, especially my late father Paul W. DeCamp. These are images from his ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in 2004.
It was a cold morning at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge this morning and there was a thin layer of ice on the water.
One of my favorite places, The Great Swamp is located in Morris County, NJ and was established in 1960. More than 244 species of birds use the Great Swamp as a migration-resting and feeding area or as a permanent habitat. Many birds migrating along the eastern United States follow the corridor that includes the Great Swamp. The bird blinds are a good place to watch the birds. I tend to be more into the plant life, myself. This image was taken along one of the boardwalk paths. Nikon D800E, 16mm fisheye lens, f/11, 1/640 sec, ISO 400.
]]>
]]>We are also excited to have guitarist Michael Notarangelo performing.
And, best of all, it is free! We hope to see you there: 50 Mine Street in Flemington, NJ
Here is the flyer for the event. Call (908)237-1700 for further information.
]]>
]]>
I am really busy today: doing computer support for the hubbie, ordering frames online, and giving my dog Lucy a bath. She always
looks so good, and is so soft after her bath.
The photograph that I sold, titled Echeveria, has a lot of meaning to me. The subject is an Echeveria plant that my good friend gave to me after my father passed away. I love the way the little 1/4 inch flowers curl around the stem.
Nikon D800E, Nikon 105mm macro lens, 1/320 sec, f/14, ISO 200
This image was taken with a Nikon D800E, 200mm nikon macro lens, 1/320 sec, f/5.0, ISO 1600.
]]>
]]>
]]>