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Guide to the Robert Y. Wing Electric vehicles (EV) collection, 1970-1997
M0980
M0980
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Robert Y. Wing Electric Vehicles (EV) collection
Identifier/Call Number: M0980
Physical Description:
25 Linear Feet
(51 manuscript boxes; 2 cartons; 2 map folders)
Date (inclusive): 1970-2001
Abstract: This collection
contains materials regarding the Electric Vehicle Association’s (EVA) activities and
history, including correspondence, meeting notes and minutes, board election materials,
photographs, and newsletters. Also included are research and subject files, conference and
symposium proceedings, press and promotional materials, reports, posters, and clippings,
magazines, and publications related to electric vehicle technology, development, and
commercial presence.
Language of Material:
English .
Open for research, with the exception of born-digital materials, which are closed until
processed. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended
use.
This collection was given by Robert (Bob) Wing to Stanford University, Special Collections
in 1998 and 2001. Accessions 1998-150 and 2001-224.
This collection is arranged into the following series based on subject: 1. Electric
Vehicle/Auto Association; 2. Technology and Research Files; 3. Conferences, Events, and
Races; 4. Commercial Industry; 5. Reports and Publications. Original folder titles by the
creator have been maintained.
Robert Y. Wing was born on December 27, 1921, and obtained a BSEE from UC Berkeley (1943)
and an MBS from Stanford University (1948). He became an early member of the first chapter
(Santa Clara Valley) of the Electric Vehicle Association (formerly the Electric Auto
Association) in 1969 while working at the Stanford Research Institute. An electric vehicle
enthusiast and hobbyist, Wing converted a '59 MGA Roadster in 1972, and would regularly
display it at electric vehicle car shows on the west coast. He was also involved in
establishing subsequent chapters of the EVA, including chapters in Salem and Portland,
Oregon, as well as the Santa Rosa, California chapter. He has been the West Coast Editor of
EV NEWS since it started in 1990. He is also an EV consultant.
[Identification of item] Robert Y. Wing Electric vehicles (EV) collection, M0980, Dept. of
Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
The Robert Y. Wing Electric Vehicles (EV) collection consists of material regarding
electric vehicle history, technology and organizations. The collection includes
correspondence, meeting minutes, notes, research files, conference and symposium
proceedings, board election materials, photographs, press and promotional materials,
reports, bibliographies, book reviews, newsletters, catalogs, manuals, magazines, articles,
posters, and clippings.
A primary focus of the collection is Wing's involvement in the Electric Vehicle Association
(formerly the Electric Auto Association), a non-profit volunteer organization which seeks to
promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by the public. An EV enthusiast and
hobbyist, Robert Wing became an early member of the first chapter of the Electric Vehicle
Association (EVA) in Santa Clara, California and went on to help found subsequent chapters
in Oregon and Santa Rosa, California. Much of his work for the EVA is documented in the
collection.
Documents and photographs from various EV conferences, races, rallies, and other events are
also contained in the collection, as well as research files pertaining to various aspects of
EV technology and history. The collection also contains promotional and press material from
EV manufacturers, EV component catalogs and manuals, newsletters and publications from
international EV organizations, auto magazines, clippings, and posters.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to
examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made
available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction
beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or
assigns.
The John Newell collection on the history of electric vehicles includes 22 boxes of print
and photographic materials documenting Newell's role as a co-founder of the California
Electric Automobile Association (EAA).
Creator/Collector:
Newell, John.
Title: John Newell collection on the history of electric vehicles,
Date (inclusive): 1962-1993.
Identifier/Call Number: M0963
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Automobiles, Electric.
Electric vehicles.
Electric vehicle industry
Electric bicycles
International Electric
Vehicle Symposium