Are plug-in hybrids code for nuclear power?
Will the move to electric vehicles lead to nuclear powerFor the last several years my dream has been a solar powered home and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for years I've seen nothing but the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles. For me one of the greatest capabilities of plug-in hybrids is the ability to make solar power more cost effective.
Nonetheless, I cannot help but feel that my beloved plug-in hybrids are being hijacked by those interested in nuclear power. Read more....
Labels: electric cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:12 AM
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For the last several years my dream has been a solar powered home and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and for years I've seen nothing but the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles. For me one of the greatest capabilities of plug-in hybrids is the ability to make solar power more cost effective.
See. I live in Southern California. Every single summer for the last several years I've been hit by a rolling black out. Last year my neighbor was without power for almost two weeks, and I know it's only a matter of time before I'm dealt the same fate. Therefore, solar power seems a great hedge against such an outcome, especially if global warming increases my summer temperatures.
But it isn't just global warming. It's plasma TVs, computers, etc - the tools of the emerging digital age. Electricity demand in the next couple of decades, in my opinion, is going to skyrocket. That means more rolling blackouts. And god forbid there is an act of terrorism that attacks the very fragile grid.
For me all of this shouts SOLAR POWER, and a plug-in hybrid vehicle would be the perfect add-on to that solution. Thus, I have been greatly anticipating the advent of plug-in hybrids, and I'm still waiting.
Lately, however, I've been a bit concerned about plug-in hybrid vehicles and other electrically-driven automobiles and what effect they might have upon the electric grid. Now PHEV and BEV advocates will argue, as I have as well, that the grid has enough excess capacity to power about 75 percent of America's automobile fleet if they were powered by electricity - as long as those vehicles are charged between midnight and 4:00 AM.
How realistic is that? Perhaps V2G technology could manage this timing issue, but it sounds too perfect world for me.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Lutz of GM whom expressed his belief to me that electric cars are the future, which didn't surprise me because he has been the driver of the Chevy Volt program.
When our discussion turned to the electric grid and fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen as an option to grid-powered vehicles, such as the Volt, Bob Lutz essentially dismissed both hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.
"Do you have any particular political or environmental agenda against nuclear power," Lutz asked me.
"No," I told him, which wasn't really true. "I just think it leads to more problems, such as Iran," I told Lutz rather than explaining that I really wasn't sure how I felt about nuclear power.
Even without plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles, the push towards nuclear power is gaining steam. And, lately, I cannot help but wonder if utilities, the government, etc. aren't pushing plug-in hybrids as cover for their nuclear ambitions. For whatever reason I cannot get over the lingering feeling that my beloved plug-in hybrids are being hijacked for an agenda in which I do not necessarily agree.
For decades, regardless of party, the oil-driven military-industrial complex has pretty much controlled American politics - at least in terms of foreign policy. Oil, however, is a dying fuel, and I can't think of another fuel, other than nuclear power, that offers as much potential for maintaining the military-industrial complex.
Then again, maybe I've watched too many conspiracy movies.
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