Future Car: The Bill Gates / Richard Branson Challenge?
Foreign oil dependency: Why our generation needs a Howard HughesHave you been watching the Discovery Channel's FutureCar series? I have. While there hasn't been anything terribly exciting on the program, I've still found it entertaining. Yet, what strikes me most, is the fact that the we are doing so little today.
Automakers continue to discuss fuel cells and hydrogen. Sure, these are great ideas to strive for, but developing as many hybrids as possible today creates massive momentum in that direction, while having a huge impact on the planet in the interim. Yet, the biggest fuel cell hype machine, GM, still doesn't have one full hybrid vehicle for sale - an unacceptable contradiction.
Even hybrid cars, however, could be so much more. Take the Prius, for example. Why not make the Prius out of composite materials? Or, imagine a two-person, carbon fiber Prius for teenagers, college kids and single adults. Imagine adding plug-in capabilities to a carbon fiber Prius.
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Labels: Foreign Oil Dependency, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:35 AM
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Ultimately, the future is here today. The ability to create super-aerodynamic, super-light, super-strong and super-fuel efficient vehicles is not a dream, but reality. The ability to start building automobiles that can end foreign oil dependency in a decade exists right now. Sure, the revolution against foreign oil dependency and fossil-fuel dependence won't be easy. It will require imagination, risk, money and out-of the box thinking by automakers, politicians and consumers.
Unfortunately, no one is stepping up to the plate to lead this revolution. Even worse, American automakers seem to be fighting against this revolution. Likewise, too many politicians are too-well funded by either automakers and/or oil companies to act.
Sure there are some interesting innovators out there, such as Tesla Motors or ZAP, trying to change the way America thinks, but they need help. America needs someone like Bill Gates to join up with one of these companies, or form a new company. Someone with massive power and wealth whom could challenge the complacent and conventional thinking of consumers, automakers and politicians.
Maybe Richard Branson and Burt Rutan could take on foreign oil dependency they way they've taken on the X-Prize and space tourism. Now that was Howard Huges-esque!
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