Nationwide campaign for plug-in hybrids launched
Nationwide grassroots campaign of cities, public utilities, etc. promote plug-in hybrids"Plug-in hybrids represent a real near-term solution to America's over-reliance on foreign oil imports and energy prices that escalate the cost of everything and threaten the very economic life of our nation," says Austin Mayor Will Wynn, who pledged $1 million in city rebates to help citizens and businesses purchase the first wave of plug-ins to roll off assembly lines. "The technology exists today," Wynn says. "This campaign will demonstrate to automakers that the market is also there." (Mototrend)
Many plug-in hybrids currently achieve 80 mpg and significantly reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Even when adding the extra emissions from electricity plants, plug-in hybrids still offer 50 - 75 percent cleaner emissions. Additionally, the cost of the 'electric gas' is just 75 cents per gallon.
Why not make all hybrids, plug-in hybrid vehicles?
Labels: electric cars, Foreign Oil Dependency, Hybrid Vehicles, plug-in hybrids, prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:41 AM
4 Comments:
When we (the majority of Americans) plug in our hybrids we are transferring the polution from our car to the creation of electricity. Yes, you are seperating yourself more from direct pollution. Most of this country's electricity comes from burning coal or natural gas. These pollute as well, more than plugging your car in. Yes, there are some states where, say, 50% of electricity comes from sources like wind power (Oregon, for example), but on the east coast powerplants are on a majority coal burning. Until we fix that problem, leave the hybrids unplugged.
I'm sorry, but you are wrong. We're talking direct and indirect pollution.
Scientists, such as those from Argonne Laboratories, have demonstrated that from well-to-wheel, the electricity used by plug-in hybrids is still significantly cleaner - ALL THINGS CONSIDERED - than using oil refined gasoline.
Those aren't my facts, those are the facts of objective scientists.
Plug-in your hybrid and help clean America!
I suppose that if you were to put a PV array on your house, that would make it even cleaner. This would be especially attractive in states with rebate programs and net metering.
In the future, places with good night time wind profiles could generate significant power for car charging from this clean resource too.
Of course, both approaches would involve up-front energy inputs (proably not clean nor renewable) in the manufacuring process and transportation to sight, but this should have far less environmental impact than coal, gas or nuclear generation over time.
I know people in California that power 2 cars and meet all their daily electricity needs with solar power.
Now they use full electric vehicles, but plug-in hybrids could offer many of the same advantages.
For daily driving, most of your vehicle's fuel needs could be met with solar power - or wind or both where advantageous. When you have to drive further, you still have gasoline as a backup.
Sure solar isn't cost effective without tax incentives, but since we give tax incentives to oil companies making astronomical profits, what's the problem with giving them to people producing virtually pollution-free energy?
I think if Americans Dare to Dream, energy independence in 50 years isn't some wild idea. If we put the power in the hands of the people - literally - instead of a few corporations making obscene profits, we could change the world.
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