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Fully Charged

August 15, 2010 @ 21:12 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

I don’t particularly like the TV show Top Gear at the best of times because of the values it portrays and represents, however when I read today that Jeremy Clarkson deceived his audience when performing a review of the Tesla Roadster electric vehicle, I thought even less of this arrogant man.  Apparently Jeremy is very anti-electric vehicle, anti-environmental and does not hesitate to promote the fact on his show and takes every opportunity to discredit this technology. 

I am not alone in my dislike, so it seems.  Robert Llewellyn (of Red Dwarf and Scrap Heap Challenge fame), has had a go at the popular TV series.  He has produced a great on-line TV show called “Fully Charged” which in my humble opinion helps to breakdown some of the myths about electric vehicles that the popular press have been tarring them with.  I love the way he goes about calculating the total carbon emissions of both an EV and an ordinary internal combustion engine.

I present to you the pilot episode of “Fully Charged”.

Check out Robert’s YouTube Channel called fullychargedshow for further episodes.  He has been posting one a week for the last month or so.  A cool show and I hope he posts many more.  It may even get picked up by mainstream TV.  By the time I get a telly it might be showing in Australia!

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Filed Under: Electric Vehicles

Path towards Zero Carbon

August 17, 2009 @ 23:42 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

This is a future scenario I have wanted to write for some time now.  Some ideas are not original and all of the technology exists today, however the basic story line is my creation and is centred around the state of Victoria, Australia.  I hope you enjoy my vision of a possible journey to zero carbon.


Spring 2021.

It is a lovely spring afternoon, and a special day it is, because Victoria’s greatly anticipated 11th annual progress report regarding the ‘Path towards Zero Carbon’ has just shown that we have achieved a 45% reduction in our states carbon footprint since 1990.  Twenty two years ago I would not have thought that this would have been possible.

The West Antarctic ice shelf is still melting and so is much of Greenland’s ice sheets, and sea levels are set for a meteoric rise by 2100, and the impact of climate change on the Murry-Darling basin and native ecosystems get worse every year.  However it is good to know that we are on the right path, and that Victoria is leading the way by demonstrating how life is possible and enjoyable in a low carbon world.  If the rest of Australia continues for follow our lead we will hit the legislated target of 95% reduction by 2035 which is fifteen years earlier than the climate scientists believed was necessary.

When people where hit with a double whammy in 2011 with the 15th year of drought in the Greater Melbourne area, and dwindling global oil supplies and rising prices, people finally began to realise that action was necessary.  Throughout Melbourne, people are busy in the gardens planting their spring vegetables and harvesting the last of their winter crops that will supply 70% of the cities fresh food needs for the coming summer.  When food prices began to rise dramatically, the government began supplying every home with free 10,000 litre rainwater tanks, with generous subsidies for plumbing connections, so over the next two years the city’s water storage problems began to subside.  Carbon Victory Gardens sprang up all over the suburbs to help feed hungry families, as commercial farming techniques began to fail due to expensive fertilisers.  With these systems so used to the addition of petrochemical pesticides and herbicides to control pests our soils were useless without them.  Organic gardening and Permaculture became the norm and people with these skills were highly respected and sought after for large community workshops.  Community gardens sprang up everywhere by mid 2012 and nature strips were planted out by local councils in 2013 with fruit, nut, and berries in an effort to help feed locals.  Roadside stormwater drains were configured so that these trees were adequately watered after every downpour.

These simple changes brought on a wave of excitement within the community.  With the roads much quieter, millions have turned to all forms of cycling.  From trikes to rickshaws and carts, people have become mobile and children and aged citizens alike felt safe to ride the streets again.  Electric bicycles turned the hills in the eastern suburbs into an achievable journey, thus eliminating one of the biggest barriers to city cycling.  No longer are the streets of the city ruled by inconsiderated drivers, with the very same former drivers began to appreciate the plight of the cyclist in former years.

When the state government went into partnership with a small Victorian electric vehicle company in 2014, and funded the construction of 150,000 small electric vehicles in one year, people were shocked.  These new cars were exempt from registration and citylink tolls that other vehicles had to pay and the price included a government guarenteed 50% reduction in vehicle insurance due to the lower number of fossil fuelled powered vehicles on the road.  These incentives were an instant hit with consumers.  They were so quiet and pollution throughout the city reduced by 25 percent in one year.  To accomodate for the additional electricity required for these electric vehicles, strong legislation was passed to ensure that all street lighting was turned off by midnight and that heavy fines were imposed on any company found to leave office lighting and appliances left turned on in unoccuppied buildings after 10pm in the evening.  With an ammendment to the Premium renewable feed-in tariff in December 2009 to include business as well as residential and non-profit premises and a removal of the 5 kW cap, saw a rapid uptake in all forms of renewable energy across the state, all privately funded much to the governments delight.

In addition to the renewable energy boom, two geothermal power plants were constructed in 2015 near Geelong providing an additional 3500 MW of  baseload capacity to the grid.  Furthermore, ten 800 MW solar thermal molten salt power plants located near Mildura were finally completed in 2018 (8000 MW in total) saw the begining of closures of some coal fired power plants throughout the state.  All coal fired power plants have been legislated to be closed before 2030 thus ensureing the 95% reduction target set for 2035.  The molten salt solar stations, alongside wind, solar PV, and geothermal baseload provided all of the electricity needs for the state.  In 2019, Victoria began to export electricty via BassLink to Tasmania due to ever increasing water shortages in that states hydroelectric system.  Even some of Melbournes electric tram systems could be reactivated and changed back over from the horse drawn system necessitated in the early years of the crisis.  City gardeners were most diappointed at the reduction in free fertiliser!

It was not all beer and skittles in during the ‘Great Transformation’, which occured from 2010 to 2015, it was the older  baby boomers who found it hardest to adjust.  Born during the age of rampant consumerism, many valuable skills were lost and it was up to a dedicated few to help reskill the general population to avoid mass starvation as the oil supply dwindled and climate change began to really kick in.  Water conservation became a necessity and not a niceaty. 

The cost of flying rose dramatically with only the mega rich being able to afford this mode of transport.  During the Great Transformation over 90% of the worlds airline companies in existance in 2009 collapsed into bankruptcy.  International travel once more became dominated by wind powered ships, however they are much larger and comfortable than sailing ships of the past.  With the newly created renewable energy sources, more and more manufacturing was able to be relocated back to Australia to create meaningful jobs for those people not skilled in farming, energy production and transportation.  Some of Victoria’s industrial companies lobbyed and complained hard during the Great Transformation, however as carbon prices escalated and further incentives for renewable energy grew, the companies engineers found radical new ways to be vastly energy efficient and to begin to substitute with power from biogas, combined heat and power, and heat exchange technology.  As the price of oil and natural gas peaked in 2012 and began to rapidly decline, they sat back and watched their competitors struggle with the rising costs and congratulated themselves for being ahead of the pack.

Looking back, I believe that the greatest achievement has been the return of the overwhelming sense of community that arose mid way during the Great Transformation.  Of course there was looting and some chaos at first but martial law soon put a stop to that in the first few months of 2010.  I believe it was as people began to spend more time in their neighbourhoods, caring for their veggie patches, livestock and each other, upgrading their homes where they could and began brewing their own beer, wine and preserving excess harvest that this change happened. 

Some people still complain today, but most realize that something wonderful is happening not only to the state of Victoria, but all over the world.  While we are still very concerned about what the future may bring, we are also imensely proud of what we have achieved so far.

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Filed Under: climate change, Electric Vehicles, energy efficency, food, Gardening, Locavore, natural gas, Peak Everything, Permaculture, Solar Power, Sustainable Living, Transition Towns, Wind Turbine

Gav’s EV Conversion

March 26, 2009 @ 19:14 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

No readers, not I, but another Gavin, and this time from New Plymouth, NZ.  I received an email from Gavin Shoebridge yesterday, who commented about my blog (he likes it).  A nice guy, and he shared a YouTube link with me that featured his conversion of an old Mitsubishi Tredia with internal combustion engine to a fully refitted Electric Vehicle.  He bought the original car for NZ$180 because the engine had blown, and it had a bit of rust.

I was gobsmacked that people were out there giving the bird to petroleum companies and performing DIY EV conversions.  I knew that Ross Blade had been doing it for a while in Harcourt, Vic at Blade Electric Vehicles, but didn’t know about the home enthusiast scene.  How cool, and it really hooked me in.  Gav has made 27 videos, in easy to view steps of how he went about his conversion.  I spent 4 hours watching them last night and it was far better than any of the usual crap on TV.  Educational and funny, and Gav has a flare for the camera.  You can see his passion for getting the EV on the road just dripping from the screen. 

I won’t spoil the ending of his story, but will share with you his last three videos which are a compressed version of the 27 shorts and a grand finale about his next steps in life.

Part One

Part Two. Love the number plate!

And the grand finale… tear.

It just goes to show that two Gav’s are better than one.  Each in their own country, trying to do the right thing.  Now if anyone is getting ready for the immanent gotcha of Peak Oil, it was Gav.  If you want to watch all of his videos in order go to his website, www.kiwiev.com.  Hats off to you Gav!

This Gavin had better get his act together here in Melton West, AU.  I have my own power station on the roof, so the fuel won’t be a problem.  I just have to convince Kim that it is a good idea, and with my lease car expiring in Oct 09, I have the perfect opportunity!  I nearly have her sold on an Earthship (she like the coloured bottles in the walls), so an EV might not be too far behind. :=)

Gav in Melton West.

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Filed Under: Electric Vehicles, Peak Oil, Transport

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About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

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