Meet some of Maine’s EV owners By Heather Chandler As an EV owner since 2014, I’m often stopped when I pull into a parking space by a curious onlooker who says, “Is that an electric car?” This usually elicits a follow up, “Is there a gas back up?” and finally, “How do you like it?”…
By Barry Woods I have been driving a Chevy since April 2017. While not a surprising statement in itself, you might be surprised to find it uses no gas and runs on renewable electricity stored in a 60-kWh battery that straddles the frame. When passengers exit my car after their first time driving electric, they…
By Travis Ritchie It seems that 2017 is the year for the return of the electric car in America, with the release of three mass market high-range vehicle models that offer the opportunity to go more than 200 miles on a charge. Look around—a hybrid can be spotted at every stoplight and you’ll probably see…
Buses will be bringing people to the 2017 Common Ground Fair from several locations around the state, sponsored by several Maine Adult Education programs, in a further effort to reduce carbon footprint and traffic load. Travel costs vary by distance; Fair admission price is $8 for bus riders (and free for all members). To sign…
Here’s a way to enjoy a scenic bike ride, without the bike: the newly re-opened RailCyclers provides foot-pedaled, open-air “railcycle” tours along the historic Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. Riding railcycles is a low-impact, quiet, non-polluting activity, and a great way to get in shape. They are basically a tandem single speed pedal bike built…
If you’ve taken the bus in greater Portland recently you may have noticed some changes, including the addition of real time tracking by text or app from your smart phone. All bus stops in the METRO region are now outfitted with signs that provide their corresponding tracker ID numbers. Simply text that stop’s ID number…
By Barry Woods I’VE BEEN AN UNREPENTANT advocate of plug in electric vehicles since 2009. It was then that I realized these cars, and their improbably elegant marriage of clean energy, battery storage and transportation, could heal many of our accumulated social, environmental and economic ills. When I leased my first Nissan LEAF in 2011,…
Considering an electric vehicle for your next car? With recent advances in battery technology and range, affordable lease options, and growing choice in make and models, electric vehicles are quickly becoming a viable option for drivers in Maine. Wondering where you can charge up? Here’s a partial list, current as of April 2019. Check back…
By Heather Chandler I became the proud owner of an all electric Nissan LEAF in April, 2014. I have a level 2 (220 volt) charging station installed on the side of my house adjacent to the driveway, which means I can plug in when I get home each day and then leave the house with a…
By Heather Chandler Thinking about a getaway? In need of a little rest and relaxation? How about a healing yoga retreat that combines time away with a healthy serving of yoga and relaxation? There’s no need to go far. Check out the list below for five options in Maine and one in Western Massachusetts that will…