I search the Internet quite regularly for new innovations in car manufacturing that will genuinely turn us away from the conventional family or work vehicle. I recall in 2007 that there were lots of articles regarding electric and hybrid-electric vehicles that were going to hit the market in 2010. I therefore, entertained the thought of owning one of those vehicles when they became available. Come 2009, and it seems the dates are being shifted further to 2011/2012, which is starting to get me disillusioned.
Since most if not all car manufacturers are struggling under the current financial crisis, one would want to think that it would be sensible for the car manufacturers to race putting practical and useful electric or hybrid-electric vehicles on the market. Since the public has been shell-shocked into the “Peak Oil” crisis, I think they are now ready to commit to electric or hybrid-electric vehicles. This, in my opinion, would lure buyers back into the market that would restarting the broken global economy.
However, I might be missing something here, because we are not seeing these cars on the market at all. What are car manufacturers waiting for? Don’t tell me they do not have the capital to switch to these new technologies or investing into the new support infrastructure for these types of vehicles, because I am still reading in car magazines about new (unnecessary) horrendously expensive, high performance behemoths coming on the market. This is obscene to say the least and I wish that more people would NOT put their hard earned money on such wasteful vehicles, which would send a message to all car manufacturers.
Even the super deals on conventional cars to “kick start the economy” is certainly not a clever idea to me as it is a way of ensuring a destiny of global warming, for the future generations. Have a look at the Tesla Model S, which is an efficient electric car (of a sedan design), which I understand would save a typical driver about US$600 per year compared to a BMW M3.
Fast Tube by Casper
Over seven years, that would save the owner about US$4200. The battery replacement after seven years costs US$12,000, but factor in Shai Agassi’s innovation, where the battery is rented by the car owner, and you start talking decent savings here.
Fast Tube by Casper
I am hoping that there will be a car manufacturer that will see the light and take advantage “yesterday” of this global financial crisis by providing practical and useful means of transport that runs on clean energy. If one company takes the precedent, I have no doubt in my mind that that the rest would follow. It’s a pity to see the private sector waiting for governments to lead them along on this matter, rather than taking the initiative. A crisis is a terrible thing to waste! … Take heed, car manufacturers, take heed!
