Who killed the electric car?
By halcyon1
@halcyon1 (23)
United States
April 19, 2008 9:17am CST
I saw a documentary yesterday about the electric car. The documentary featured a lot of informative statistics on the distrubing level of pollution in California. It got me thinking about global warming, transportation, our toxic drinking water, etc.
I'm trying to brainstorm ways to reshape our society to be a more conservative one, with respect to burning gas and polluting the earth. I find that the whole hippie phenomenon gets in the way of average joes who would otherwise reduce their consumption in one way or another.
How does this become a national priority? Does it take advertising from big businesses like Coke, GM, and Proctor and Gamble? Or workplace incentives, to allow more flexibility in shift start times if employees make the switch to biking, using public transport, etc? What do you think?
Also, has anybody in myLot driven or leased an electric car in the 90's or 00's? Those of you that did, do you now lease or have interest in Hybrids?
1 response
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
19 Apr 08
I don't live in the US or Canada but have a hybrid car, a Toyota Prius. Setting aside it's green credentials for a second it is one of the most enjoyable cars that I have ever driven. The car is not too pretty, but from the driver's perspective it is thoughtfully laid out and a pleasure to drive. I get about 50 miles to the gallon from it and around town I can drive on the electric motor alone and burn no fuel, and pump zero pollution into the atmosphere. Many cars will do better MPG, but very few are as carbon neutral around town. When I stop for a short while, say at lights, the engine cuts out, but restarts as soon as I put my foot on the accelerator. It was expensive and is now due its first service. I can't bear to part with it for even a day. But it is going to have to go into the service bay soon. Welcome to myLot by the way.
@halcyon1 (23)
• United States
19 Apr 08
Thanks for the welcome! This is the first discussion I've started, so I'm pleased that some folks responded within minutes:)
I have ridden in a Hybrid minivan on a three hour drive, and I thought it was pretty cool too. Do you use your car for mostly in town driving, or do you frequent the interstate?
I wonder if these sorts of cars will ever be more affordable...I've decided that if they make a hybrid Mini Cooper, I'll buy a car. For now, though, I'll stick to the bus, bike, or walking. Everything under the hood in a hybrid takes more room, doesn't it? The cars are a bit large, as far as I can see.
Did you know that President Bush's governmental backing of hybrid research was one of the final, fatal blows to the electric car? It's just interesting to me how the government works in the interests of the few instead of the many, such as the oil giants and car manufacturers.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
19 Apr 08
My car is about a quarter smaller than my previous, larger engined car. The Prius out accelerates it but doesn't have quite the same top sped. I have had it up to 90MPH. The engine compartment is really any bigger. There is a huge battery however, but that is hidden behind the back seat. I wish you luck with a hybrid Mini.
