Posts Tagged ‘Energy Independence’

Plug-in car focus a cord around energy independence’s neck?

Leaving a lot of foreign oil fighting potential on the table

It’s time to get real about the costs of US foreign oil dependence

In my opinion, ending foreign oil dependence — at least achieving North American independence — is far easier than many might imagine. Ironically, today independence appears even significantly more within reach compared to just a few years ago.

But, it takes real vision to grasp this energy independence potential, but it’s not the seer-like kind of vision that can foresee the technological future some might expect. Rather it takes the vision to simply seize the opportunities available today. Carpe diem! Read more…

President Obama is missing the hybrid revolution

The hybrid revolution and unprecedented greatness

Time for the President to listen to his Job’s Council

One can only laugh, or perhaps cry, at the irony of today’s political world. This morning I learned that the President was rejecting the Keystone Pipeline, an outcome most closely following this story expected because of the political prowess of those against the pipeline and their importance to the 2012 election. Then oddly enough, came the release of the President’s Job’s Council’s Road Map to Renewal that strongly suggests that pipelines like Keystone, and the jobs such natural resource orientated endeavors will bring, are essential to American economic viability.

Just like cars, the hybrid approach to US energy policy” just can’t get no respect”. Read more…

Plug-in forecasts: Revenge of the hybrid car

The battery powered revolution goes through hybrid cars.

Too much hype and politics, but not enough honesty, in the battery-powered space

Over the years I’ve become plug-in cynical. It’s not that I hate plug-ins. On the contrary I love them, and I support plug-in purchases. Unfortunately, for years a number of automakers have used plug-ins as an excuse not to build conventional hybrid cars, often with the support and encouragement of many plug-in advocates, whom too often believe such vehicles are passe.

Yet, over and over and over the facts have continued to suggest and to demonstrate, in fact to almost guarantee, that such an idea isn’t just blatantly wrong, but possibly very dangerous and counter-productive to both a clean and secure energy future for America.

And the latest findings by the study California’s Energy Future – Transportation Energy Use in California, sponsored by the California Energy Future (CEF) project, are the final nail in that coffin. Read more…

Using GM as a metric for American clean energy independence

Can eAssist really challange Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive?

Can GM drive America to foreign oil independence?

I’m not sure what to think of GM’s Dan Akerson. His tele-mobile experience suggests great potential as telematics continue their conquest into the auto sector, possibly even rivaling sustainable energy as the next big thing in the auto segment. But his criticism of cars like the Toyota Prius demonstrates real automotive ignorance.

Nevertheless, for at least the next decade or so, the world will still have to linger in the days of caveman energy. Fortunately, some recent commentary by GM’s Dan Akerson helps shed some light on the path GM is taking towards an American clean energy independent future. Read more…

Crashing a Chevy Volt into Republican Party headquarters

The Volt isn't the key energy policy conversation point.

Burn, baby, burn

I’m not sure what to think of Ray LaHood. Without solid evidence, LaHood crushed Toyota’s image during the sudden acceleration scandal that so suddenly disappeared. Yet, he allegedly hid evidence suggesting there might be some minor flaws in Chevy Volt plug-in engineering (And I do mean, minor.). Thus, it’s arguable that LaHood projects the impression of hidden agendas.

Regardless, I believe the facts demonstrate that the Volt is safer than the average car by every measure. Sure, if a Volt is involved in a serious accident and the battery isn’t depowered, it could eventually spontaneously combust — LONG after its occupants have left the vehicle. Yes, that’s still a problem, but a relatively easy problem to fix.

Ultimately, the Volt is a GREAT vehicle, except when it comes to the one factor that matters most: cost. Nevertheless, Republicans lose EVERY bit of intelligent energy policy standing every time they attack the Volt.
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When the grid goes black: Plug-ins, solar power and energy security

Can a smart grid + solar power + plug-ins secure America?

Too bad batteries, fuel cells and solar panels aren’t cheaper

Living in the stone ages. That’s how I felt for a while after losing my power Wednesday night. Sure, the first few hours were tolerable, but after 24 hours things started to feel a little surreal. After 48 hours, things turned just plain crazy. It’s not just the loss of lights or the lack of a refrigerator that gets to you, but the inability to even fix the damage all around. It’s utter helplessness.

Fortunately, I’m now fully reconnected to the power grid and the American life, but the experience certainly reinforced my desire to achieve energy independence — if only it were easier. Read more…

Is the US already stuck in the energy trap?

The energy trap energy pricing conundrum

Can foreign oil independence help us reframe the energy conversation in a productive way?

Back in 2007-2008, before the oncoming economic crash was apparent, Americans were mad as hell. $4.00 gasoline was driving the average American crazy.

But, what if $6.00+ gasoline was the only path, beginning immediately, towards a sustainable future — an idea I’m extrapolating to some extent from the very interesting article, The Energy Trap.

Would Americans buy in? Yeah, right. Read more…

Should the US have an energy independence plan?

Is Congress motivated by the people or by reelection?

Or, even an oil-ending transport plan?

The European Commission today is actively seeking to develop a plan to move away from oil towards alternative fuels in the EU, most recently launching a public consultation on the matter.

Should the US, via a non-partisan forum, also be investigating a straightforward, honest and transparent plan towards US energy independence? Read more…

Like China, should the US reconsider plug-in tax credits?

America needs to Focus on more than plug-ins

Could the US achieve more sooner?

The latest word coming out of China suggests that significant changes to tax policies for new energy vehicles are coming. Instead, of focusing on plug-ins, China is preparing to incentivize hybrid sales, and other fuel efficient technologies.

Should the US consider a similar, and possibly more competitive, policy? For instance, would a $2000 clean vehicle tax credit be better than just a tax credit for plug-in vehicles? Read more…

Energy independence: Bachmann’s $2.00 gasoline pledge void of real leadership

Call for $2.00 gasoline just isn't Presidential

It’s time to start telling the truth about US energy policy

To be sure, $4.00 gasoline prices aren’t good for America, especially in this economy, but neither are $2.00 prices. In fact, $4.00 is probably better for America than is $2.00 because $2.00 can’t last, and the US needs to be evermore prepared for the possibility of significantly higher gas prices. The writing is on the walls of history.

Consequently, Presidential hopeful Michelle Bachmann and her $2.00 gasoline pledge demonstrates that political hype, rather than real leadership, is her path to the White House. Read more…