evnow said:
The reason why we are not all driving EVs today is not because of science/technology. It is because of economics & politics. I rest my case
I frankly don't think you have a case.
I also don't think that 'all' is a valid target - because not everyone wants an EV, and there are plenty of segments for which an EV is not the best option - long haul trucks, sales people driving 25-35000 miles per year, folks with boats and RVs, etc.
At the same time, the electric auto association says in one of their ads that the 1500 EVs their members own have already traveled more than 12 million electric miles. Add those to the folks that own and operate the EV RAV4s, Rangers, S10s, Prizms, and Solectria vehicles, then all the folks with Chinese electric scooters and motorcycles, and the hundreds that use ebikes (and do you know that some Americans actually ride bicycles or - gasp - walk?!). The lead-acid trucks are moving thru end of battery life now and some are for sale. These provide a $5-10K opening where one can install ~$10,000 worth of LiFePO4 and come out with a 100 mile range factory-built EV for about $20K.
For the political side: Are you a member of the Electric Auto Association? How about Plug In America? Sierra Club? The oil and coal lobbies are powerful and can toss a lot of cash around. What are you doing to add your weight to the other side?
As to economics: Money is a renewable resource and is relative. There are many hundreds of trillions of dollars flying back and forth above our heads every day. The money is there. Once you really grasp that you'll see that it's not a limiting factor. The coal, gas, and oil industry understands that! (So do power companies. Do you get that the reason power companies are getting behind EVs and supporting infrastructure is because it will give them another way to sell their product?! It's a new source of cash flow!)
If you truly believe that everyone should be driving an EV, getting off coal, and moving to 100% sustainability, what are you doing toward that goal in your personal life? How long is your commute? Are you using CFLs? Driving a gas car? Buying local organic food? Writing letters to gov't officials to let your voice be heard?
Bottom line, Amigo, not a single one of us needs the government to change anything in order for us to adjust our lives to live the way we believe.
So...here's a plan of action. Businesses and governments live or die with cash flow. If people start with conservation they'll cut their electricity demand - some estimates say 40%. That keeps some of their money in their pocket and cuts some of the power company's cash flow. When electric customers add solar hot water capability - there's about a 40% cut in their electric or gas bill - and another bit out of the electric company's cash flow. Add wind and solar where available and inside the power company red lights start to flash. If there's also constant support from these soon to be former power customers supporting the EPA and other organizations lobbying for clean air and water, the power company will have reached the 'no-brainer' point where it's in their best interest to start decommissioning coal plants. There are many ways to arrive at the same destination. Set a goal and start with small step. And keep using our untapped creativity to find new ways to get where we want to go.
Or stay in place and say it'll never work. Whatever. Free choice. For every Eeyore there are plenty of others that are adding radiant barriers and buying PV while it's on sale. None of these plans live or die on the choices of a minority.
Andy
