Fun Stuff > CHATTER
the Chevy Volt (and other "plug-in" cars)
Cam:
As some one that has been interested in plug-in hybrids for quite a while and listens to way too much NPR, I would like to correct a few assumptions in this conversation.
1) Toyota is not on record as saying plug-in hybrids can't be done. At least, if they were, they changed their mind since they are the only company that might beat Chevy to the punch of bringing a plug-in hybrid to the market since they are developing their own Plug-In Hybrid Prius.
2) A plug-in hybrid/electric car pollutes half as much as the gasoline powered counter parts even if they are charged from dirty fossil fuels like coal. So, plug-in hybrids could lead to a 50% reduction in pollution while they are in full electric mode.
3) The American power grid has enough capacity to charge around 180 million electric cars/plug-in hybrid. Electric capacity currently peaks during the day time. We don't come close to using it all at night. So, if people drive to work, school ,etc, and then come home and plug-in their cars at night, there isn't a capacity problem and won't be for a long time.
Basically, plug-in hybrids are going to be a really nice option to have. They will be pricey when they come out, but they are much better for the environment over all and there is capacity to handle charging them.
Chesire Cat:
I still stand by Fuel Cells as a more long term solution than battery powered cars
ViolentDove:
And I still stand by biodiesel, on account of the fact you can use it in existing cars (thus it can be readily used in developing countries), and with existing infrastructure.
So there!
Some kind of death-race situation between an electric, fuel cell and biodiesel car seems like the obvious way to solve this dispute.
pwhodges:
The trouble with biodiesel is that you are taking growing capacity away from the food supply, so you end up with higher food prices. If I lived in a poor country I'd rather eat than drive when the chips are down.
Verergoca:
Paul, that still depends on the source of said biodiesel. Soy, palmoil and others, yes, do take growing capacity away from the food industry. What i personally am more interested in, is the use of algea to get there. (Even though, they have kind of written that method off for basically everything that isnt near the equator, as you do need a fair bit load of sun to make that worthwhile)
Also, i have the feeling that there is a breaktrhough in energyproduction coming up relatively soon. We do live in interesting times :)
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