“Spirit of DC” Goes the Long and Winding Road to Groveland. Story and photos by Kay Crow
Friday January 23 brought the “Spirit of DC,” a Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vechicle (PHEV) to Groveland’s Tioga High School. “EVJerry” Asher from Bisbee, Arizona, was hosted by Peggy Mosley of The Groveland Hotel and Sandy Bradley, Principal of Tioga High. EVJerry is part of the Team EVfort from EVADC – the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, DC to do a Tour of America with this PHEV. Now it’s time for the return trip to the National Mall in Washington D.C. The “Spirit” has visited 40 of the 48 state capitals educating people at the green grassroots level from all walks of life in Middle America, especially students who can make a difference with future EV technology. His 2005 Toyota PRIUS PHEV carries 20 12-volt gel batteries in the battery pack. With each lead acid battery at about 16 pounds, it totals 320 pounds, which allows the “Spirit” to use more electricity than a regular hybrid. Each charge up should provide 10-12 electric miles. Thus, with constant and repeated charge-ups for travel around town, it’s possible to do 101 miles per gallon assisted with electricity. Nickel metal hydride (the same as in the regular Prius) and a lithium ion battery are options, although more expensive, for uses as well. Asher is passionate about his PHEV and plans to have the “Spirit of DC” returning to the National Mall on Earth Day Weekend in April, where the “Spirit” was christened last year on Earth Day. He hopes one day the “Spirit” will have a new home in the Smithsonian.
