Why Our Government Invests in Electric Cars
December 22nd, 2011 // 10:26 pm @ Miss Electric
In 2011, we made history. We have 15,000 new plug-in cars on the road. We started the shift towards a clean transportation system.
We could not have achieved this success without the investment and support from forward-thinking policymakers in our government. As we move into the second year of electric car success in the U.S., let’s remember why our government invests in an electric drive future.
The Electric Drive Transportation Association published a post that details why our government invests in electric cars. I have copied and pasted the text below (because it is just that good). Read on!
“At a time when all government funding is being carefully scrutinized, it is worth noting the importance of federal support for energy innovation. U.S. investments in advanced technology and manufacturing innovation are critical because they are helping to build our position in the growing global market for electric drive vehicles. This includes hybrids, plug-in hybrid, pure battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.
Industry investments demonstrate where transportation is headed. The hybrid market has grown from a few model offerings a decade ago to more than 30, with vehicles to meet diverse driving needs. More than 20 plug-in electric models will be available by the end of 2012. These private investments are growing employment throughout the supply chain: advanced component suppliers already employ an estimated 155,000 U.S. workers.
Federal support is reinforcing investment in electrification because of its potential to address a grave threat to our national security: oil dependence. U.S. transportation runs almost entirely on oil — nearly 60 percent of which is imported.
Oil dependence also has enormous economic costs. We spend about $1 billion a day on imported oil. Every $10 increase in the barrel price of oil costs our economy $75 billion. Electricity is a domestic, ample and affordable alternative. So, while projections of the speed at which we will electrify transportation vary, there is no doubt that we must.
Both private and public investments are advancing electric drive technologies and enhancing our competitiveness globally. They are also the key to energy security. No investment is without risk, but the greatest one is ignoring the true cost of oil to taxpayers and the nation.”
Category : Marketing EVs &Plug-In Policies
Al
1 month ago
It makes economic sense to drive an Electric Car. Some of the benefits of an Electric Car are
* reduced dependence on oil;
* less moving parts which means less parts to go wrong;
* cheaper servicing since an Electric Motor requires less maintenance than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE);
* potential to recharge at home when the car is not being used and if the electricity source is renewable (like solar or wind), then it reduces pollution even further.
Al
1 month ago
I forgot to mention, I took the 2011 Australian TTXGP Championship winning Electric Bike for a joy ride and it was one of the best motorcycles I’ve ridden. It was easy to ride and it looked great.
Here’s what it looks like http://electriccarconversionblog.com/ttxgp-motorcycle-championship-bike-taken-for-a-joy-ride
The team that built it is http://www.catavolt.com.au/
Al
1 month ago
Electric Vehicles need to be packaged so that it appeals to people.
Before I completed my Electric Go Kart conversion, people discouraged me. After I built it, the perception changed. It also opened up a lot of opportunities for me such as getting invites to high profile car shows ( see http://electriccarconversionblog.com/electric-go-kart-at-electric-vehicle-festival & I’m going to display at http://www.summernats.com.au ) and even though this one is not being raced, sponsorship has started to come in.
The idea of a slow, ugly looking poxy car does not appeal to people.
Something like a Tesla Roadster, Tesla Model S or eRuf does.
It’s about presentation and excitement.
Miss Electric
1 month ago
Al! Thanks so much for your comments. I LOVE the sites you listed. SO exciting to meet another fellow EV visionary. You are right on about presentation and excitement for EVs for building the mass movement we need to get off oil. I look forward to following you and learning more about your work