Why tomorrow's hybrid buyers should support extending today's hybrid tax credits
Today's hybrid success drives tomorrow's hybrid technology"I'm not going to buy a new vehicle until I can buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle," is a statement I often hear.
Of course, I understand this sentiment. Yet, there are still many potential plug-in hybrid consumers whom need a car today. For these buyers, it is essential that they buy one of today's hybrid cars. Inevitably, the more success today's hybrids achieve, the faster tomorrow's hybrids - and plug-in hybrid vehicles - will become reality.
Hybrid tax credits are key to this process.
Consequently, even for those unwilling to buy any vehicle until plug-in hybrids are available, it is essential that they support today's hybrid vehicle tax credits. In addition, it is especially important that they also support extending and uncapping the current tax credit, or lack thereof, for Toyota's hybrid vehicles.
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Labels: Foreign Oil Dependency, Hybrid Vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, tax credits
posted by Dahcredyns at
6:48 AM
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Without Toyota's hybrid vehicle success, there wouldn't even be a discussion regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles. Fuel cells and the hydrogen highway would still dominate today's alternative energy conversation. Quite frankly, America just doesn't have time to wait until fuel cell vehicles are both cost-effective and feasible.
Certainly, some will argue the same can be said of both hybrid vehicles and, even more so, plug-in hybrid vehicles. While there is some merit to this argument, ultimately, I don't buy any of it.
Why hybrids make sense
Make no doubt about it. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are revolutionary, but only if we invest in the technology.
Since 9/11, the trillions spent on defense to defend our foreign oil addiction could have completely revolutionized the automotive industry. To think these problems created by our oil addiction are getting better is nothing short of insane. Therefore, we have to be proactive and act now before our oil problems become even far worse.
Amazingly, plug-in hybrids are not just about ending foreign oil dependency. Plug-in hybrids could also significantly reduce the need for any liquid fuel, but more important, they can utilize every liquid fuel, including alternative fuels. Therefore, in the Midwest, flex-fuel hybrids might be the ideal solution. In other areas, perhaps diesel or bio-diesel hybrids make more sense. Yet, it doesn't end there.
An American Revolution
The energy revolution that plug-in hybrids can spark doesn't end with foreign oil dependency, or even oil dependency. Plug-in hybrids could become energy generators themselves, serving as backup generators for not only homes, but for the power grid in general via V2G, or vehicle to grid technology. Moreover, plug-in hybrids could dramatically increase the incentives to add solar, wind, or geothermal energy producing capabilities to every home in America.
Imagine powering your home and all your vehicles with a solar roof array. Then, when you drive to work, you plug-in to your office grid. During the middle of the day, at peak energy need, your plug-in hybrid pumps some energy back into the grid - generating some extra cash in your pocket. Sounds crazy? Well, this concept is already being studied.
Ultimately, the average commuter might never need liquid fuel, instead receiving are all of their fuel from their solar roof. This savings alone could cover the cost of most solar systems for most home owners - not to mention the end of any energy bills. In fact, the grid might actually be paying you, both at home and at work..
Of course this won't work in all geographies, but it will work in many, and when combined with wind and/or geothermal, an entirely new energy paradigm can be envisioned. Yes, this path will require many government incentives, but these incentives will pay for themselves simply through the defense savings reduced by ending foreign oil dependency.
Just as important, the U.S. would become an alternative technology leader - the leader - a move that could create numerous companies and high tech jobs. Oh yeah, and we just might save the environment along the way.
Extend Toyota's Tax Credits
Extending Toyota's tax credits is just another step in making this revolution happen. Besides, Toyota deserves to be rewarded for its commitment to hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, Toyota's success only puts more pressure on all other automakers to get as serious as possible, as quickly as possible, about the hybrid vehicle revolution.
Ultimately, what are we waiting for anyway? Do we really need $5.00 or $10.00 gas before we act? Do we need to wait until the high cost of energy destroys the American economy - something Bin Laden has suggested trying to do with oil? How many Katrinas or 9/11's do we need to force us to change?
America has an opportunity to shoot for the moon and to achieve not just foreign energy independence, but an opportunity to create a new clean and green, totally distributed, energy revolution. We the people must demand more from our politicians - far more. And our first demand should be for more Toyota tax credits.
If we dare to dream, we might just be surprised by how far our dreams can take us.
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