
Just finished reading this cover article. Although it was written some three years ago, or so, there were a number of salient points that are still quite applicable today… For instance: “All-electric vehicles are simpler than gas-powered ones. They have no gas tanks, no pistons, no spark plugs — and no tailpipe.” What’s hidden, and this is key, was explained to me by a professor in the “Alternative Vehicle Department” at Bowling Green State University a number of years ago on a research stop. And that is this: To manufacture an average sized car, will take as much fossil fuel burning — as the gas-powered car will use in a lifetime. Pretty much the same (minus some parts), in regard to the fossil fuel that will be burned making the EV. Of course, then it won’t burn fossil fuel after this, which is, indeed, a plus. But it would be our administration’s belief, we’d be better off looking at a new transportation paradigm in general. I will say, however, one of the things in the article that caught my eye, and what might be a good interim step, is what Tesla is selling in China. That is, two-door electric “micro-cars,” with a top speed of 62 mph and a list price below $6,000. Also, there are EV motorcycles, with the tag line: “Riding Quiet.” *My next post will explain, in much more detail, our transportation position. Note(s): At the time the article was written, 12-million plug-in cars were on the road, globally, with a majority of these being in China, Europe, and the United States. Concurrently, the article noted that there were 1.5 billion “gas guzzling” passenger vehicles globally. And the electric vehicle market was just starting to open up, slightly, in developing countries. Interestingly, the author noted that because motorized vehicles were still not that prevalent in these countries, there is not as much of a psychological transition to EV’s. Again, stay tuned for the “Joe Revolution” in transportation. “Buckle up.” ‘Er rather, you might not have to buckle up — at all.