Friday, May 05, 2006

It's Electrifying - It's Stupifying

So, can electric cars really be the wave of the future? I don't think so.

Why?

Where is that electricity going to come from? Power plants in many parts of the country are already running full out based on current demand and siting of new power plants are being fought tooth and nail in many parts.

Even Sen. Ted Kennedy is fighting against a wind power facility near his home in Massachusetts.

These cars aren't gas/electric hybrids, but pure electric cars that require to be plugged into the power grid.

Now consider the power generation problems that faced California a few years back, along with the 2003 Northeast blackout. Still think you want an all electric car? It only becomes feasible if you're going to start building new power plants - which can be built far more efficiently than in the past and enable reductions in emissions.

In other words, electric cars aren't a panacea, or even a good solution because while the owner of the car will feel better because he or she isn't going to the pump, the costs of complying with emissions and power generation are passed off to others. And the cost of electricity will likely rise due to higher demand.

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