Volkswagen deflates electric-car enthusiasm

kent beuchertJul 19th, 2008 - 15:43:25

Leohold is being realistic in terms of battery-only electrics - they are (sans EESTor devices working) too expensive, too short-ranged, and don't last long enough. But that DOESN'T mean that we won't be driving electric - Leohold is obviously unaware that we don't need any greater range or lifespan than we already have in order to build plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt. And THAT car will travel alnmost entirely on electricity, regardless of whether it's commuting , when it will require less than 6% of the current gasoline requiremnst, even if no workplace recharging occurs. Allow for 1/3rd to recharge and it will avoid 98% of
current gasoline requirements. When not commuting (roughly the other 50%
of driving) it will eliminate a minimum of 91% of gasoline usage. The
advantages of a BEV lie largely in the mind of the beholder - they are not real. And many trips that a plug-in hybrid can take , and use electricity for a good portion of the trip, the BEV owner must use a gas powered vehicle, that will not only use no electicity, but will use gas a a much higher rate than the 50MPG of the plug-in hybrid. And remember that 33% of petroleum is used for commercial trucks and boats, etc. and those will still be around for a very long time and we will need petroleum fule for them, irregardless of whether BEVs or PHEVs are used.
Fortunately, consumers will have a choice. There are certain cases where the owner only needs a secondcar for commuting and neighborhood trips and may choose a BEV. But anyone who has only one car, especially those without a place to plug in at home, the plug-in hybrid is the obvious choice - the BEV is simply NOT a viable alternative to a car that can go anywhere at any time. The driving radius of those that people could conceivably afford are less than 45 miles. This will decrease with battery age.

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