.JPG)
GM's Voltec platform.
Plug In 2009 comes to an end and leaves us a clearer picture of where the industry is.
The conference was about the state of the industry and it is obvious how much it has changed from a year ago.
A year ago, in a little booth, a company called Coulomb Technologies was showing its technology, an electric recharging station. Today, Coulomb Technologies has a mature product with its ChargePoint and a global network with strategic partners. More to come with that company, including a video interview.
Other startups with serious DNA, such as EVBoulder and Bright Automotive show how the car industry left a bunch of frustrated engineers feeling they could do a better job on their own. And they do.
In the bag of mix feelings, it is hard to tell where GM is. Clearly, the company wants to recap its lost audience and focus on the mid-U.S. sector. While it has some fantastic engineers, they seem to always be overshadowed by a PR department that has not changed. Maybe the new officers will remedy this deeply rooted culture.
If last year some companies were in complete denial with the electric car, start ups led the way and have banded together to reached out and form a formidable network. They challenge yesterday's behemoths. While many ponder the logic of pouring billions of dollars on traditional companies for the sake of unemployment, once again we see what makes American strong, its entrepreneurship and small businesses that make up for the slack.
Stay tuned for more.
Comments