An ongoing project with the Union of Concerned Scientists just got a write up on the New York Times’ auto blog.

The organization’s Model E crossover is conceived as a platform that can accommodate any one of four propulsion systems. The same body would be expected to house a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell or purely electric powertrain. [...] The union plans to add a family car, a compact and a pickup to the Model E lineup. Each vehicle would be relatively inexpensive to build, buy and operate, encouraging wide adoption, according to the group.

More on this as the project wraps up!

I recently had the pleasure of working under the exceptional art direction of Ryan Reynolds from MSDS on Electrification Roadmap. This report is a vision for an electric transportation sector and nationwide supergrid, published by the Electrification Coalition, a not-for-profit group seeking to affect energy policy to reduce economic, environmental and national security risks.

Electrification Roadmap Cover Concepts

I created lineart illustrations describing the different technologies that enable electric transportation: the different drive-train configurations (hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and full electric) contrasted with conventional internal combustion engines, lithium-ion cells and battery packs, and home charging stations.

We also worked together on concepts for the cover that leaned towards editorial illustration, an area I’ve been exploring recently. The concepts play on the vernacular of circuit diagrams, information graphics and transit maps using symbols of alternative energy and transportation.

Despite the final above not being used, it’s always great to work on positive projects with forward thinking people.

Diagrams revealing the key components and features of different automotive drivetrain technologies: internal combustion, hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in electric (PHEV) and electric (EV). For Electrification Roadmap, a whitepaper on the electrification of America’s transport sector. AD Ryan Reynolds.

Hybrid power split device consisting of a high-efficiency four-cylinder internal combustion engine, a continuously-variable transmission and two electric motor/generators. The power split device blends drive power from the engine and motors, and applies it to the wheels.