Thank you for showing us some optimism, Wirt. Here is another link to a really cool auto manufacturer. They are making 100% electric cars in California. You can currently buy one (nine models ranging from $10k to $50K) at several dealerships across the U.S. Most of the models they sell are small and reach maximum speeds of 40 miles per hour, but some models can reach speeds of 120 mph (0 to 60 in 4.5 sec). They have a range of 25 to 250 miles, also depending on the model. Every model can be plugged into a socket in your home. Get this: a full charge can take as little as 10 - 30 minutes! Check them out here: http://www.zapworld.com/ So, obviously the next question is where are we going to get all this electricity? Unfortunately, the first source is coal. The second source, I'm not saying this is any better, but at least it has little or no carbon emissions: nuclear. Finally, there is some awesome development of clean energy systems happening in this country, namely small-scale solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power generators. Wouldn't it be nice if every home were self-sufficient using a combination of these power sources? I don't think we are too far from that mark. In fact, you can take a course right now in Colorado, and many other campus locations, that will teach you how to install your own personal power generator so you can become self-sufficient. They even offer scholarships to such people as poor graduate students, such as myself. Check out this link: http://www.solarenergy.org/ And to Joseph and others who share his thoughts, I have to point out that we are not '20 years behind.' These groups I've just mentioned demonstrate that it is possible to take action NOW. We can sit and gripe about the situation, or we can search for answers that are already there. Spread the word. Peace, Wyatt Williams
joseph gathman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Wirt, I don't want to be a doom-and-gloomer, but more-efficient automobiles don't really address the core problem of declining energy availability year after year as oil and gas production peak. Hasn't it been shown that greater efficiency in our cars and other machines doesn't actually save energy because it encourages people to use the machines more? Only a commitment to less consumption will help us out of this jam. Rising fuel prices will probably eventually force this commitment on us. Even if a miracle technology suddenly appears (which hydrogen-fueled cars certainly are not), we are already 20 years late in starting a complete conversion to a new way of doing things, according the government's own Hirsch report, which is available at http://www.netl.doe.gov/publications/others/pdf/Oil_Peaking_NETL.pdf or check out the summary at wikipedia for the main points. Joe > From: Wirt Atmar > Given the level of concern that people have > expressed about reducing their > ecological footprint, particularly in regard to > greenhouse gases and fossil fuel > usage, I thought that I would mention some of the > work that's being done in > automobiles that you may not be aware of. > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.
