ALT-4 Overview of Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars are NOT the answer to America's energy problems. Today's cars, including hybrids, are TOO EXPENSIVE for drivers, for America, and for earth! Most of the machines we love so much have an internal combustion engine, known in environmental circles as ICE. No matter how clean technology makes them, and even though they have become very reliable, internal combustion engines are not a good answer for the future. Americans must look to new solutions for their family cars.
Just for a moment, let's forget Al Gore's excellent documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" (although if you have seen it, that won't be easy.) Regardless of "global warming," why should we be driving inefficient vehicles that extend our dependence on foreign oil? Alternatives are possible, practical and just as much fun to own and drive as today's ICE-powered cars. Electric cars are the answer for American drivers. Until recently, I believed my next car would be a hybrid gas/electric car. Now I am committed to building my own electric vehicle and to convince others that electric is the direction we should take. It is up to us!
Why not a hybrid gas/electric? Since they are available now and help with the immediate oil dependence problem, these cars are a good quick fix. But such complex vehicles still have internal combustion engines (ICE) with all the expensive habits of their ancestors. Here is a partial list:
-Destruction of the air we breathe-Wearing complex internal parts-Self-destruction by the dirty explosions at their hearts-Polluting imported oil for fuel and lubrication-Requiring expensive catalytic converters-Maintenance-intensive relative to electric machines-Inherently inefficient
Although I have always loved cars, and they have vastly improved, ICE-powered autos can never reach the efficiency and environmental friendliness of electric vehicles. A new generation of electric vehicles (EV's) is as lovable as our old friends. More good news! Some enterprising people are taking matters into their own hands. To see some amazing electric vehicles people are creating themselves, just Google "Ev album." These "do it yourself" projects use "donor cars" that would otherwise be headed for the crusher, a big environmental boost. I have also found that components for electric vehicles are in short supply. This movement is gaining momentum and companies are building electric alternatives. If you would like to see how excited drivers get about EV's, watch "Who Killed the Electric Car." This documentary retraces the story of the GM Insight, an all-electric machine that proved the practicality of a modern environmentally friendly car. Even better EV's are on the way. New companies on technology's cutting edge are creating electric heartthrobs. Check http://www.teslamotors.com for a treat. Tesla's efforts are the most encouraging I have seen.
Tesla plans roadster delivery in the fall of 2007. Production run number one sold out in four months. This sexy sportster will generate a great deal of excitement about electric cars. A sedan is coming soon.
Concerns about electric power plants producing pollution are also unfounded. Recharging electric cars from the power grid is much more efficient than ICE cars. Electrical usage for car charging will take place in the evening and overnight during low demand periods. Consumers could recharge their cars from wind or solar generation at home, running their cars with truly zero emissions.
Excitement about hydrogen powered cars is premature. While hydrogen fuel cells may someday provide great benefits, this technology is a distant possiblity.
American consumers soon will have more choices about how their automobiles effect our world. American drivers can nudge car companies to do the right thing by voting with their dollars.
