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Side news:
http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=22550
High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries On the Way
Abstract: This new generation of lithium-ion batteries, shown at a meeting of the Electrochemical Society, earlier this week, uses a series of impressive new technologies, like nanotechnology, to create the composite materials for generating the electrodes on the cells inside the battery. So far, scientists have managed to measure twice the charge storage capacity in the new batteries, and they estimate that manufacturing costs will be lower than traditional lithium-ion batteries because of the materials (primarily manganese) required for the new nano-crystal electrodes.
Electric cars are going to be perfected in the near future. They’ve been saying this for 100 years. Thomas Edison told Henry Ford not to worry about electric cars, as they would never be practical. So far, he’s still right.
If they are able to lower the costs and successfully pass it on to the consumer (heh...) it may have some impact. The total cost of the car may actually lead to savings for the consumer. Right now it doesn't and even worse, the environmental impact of the hybrid throughout it's life is allegedly far worse than the standard vehicle. The damage to the environment from the production of the battery alone is traumatic.
Its ecological advantage has already disappeared.
Ain’t no “free lunch.”
There are reports that the site around the battery manufacturing facility (in Ontario as I recall) is SO polluted and barren that NASA used the place to test the lunar rover.
Wonder what price we’ll all ultimately pay for concentrating toxins in those locations as opposed to spreading it over the globe, where, because of smaller levels, nature can better deal with it.
I’m sure the goofballs in Cahlifonia LOVE that THEIR trash is piling up in Ontario or Pittsburgh or Cleveland as it lets THEM feel good that they’re saving the earth — except for THOSE already dirty, faraway places.
Even putting the overall environmental impact of production aside, hybrids make no sense for the vast majority of Americans who do not live in a dense urban area. Only in such a place will a hybrid save much, as it will shut down the engine during the frequent stops.
Many Americans today are commuting 15-50 miles on freeways. They may encounter some stop-and-go traffic, but that is usually for a small percentage of their driving.
For freeway commuters, and people who live in suburban and rural areas, diesels make much more sense.
We have a Ford Escape Hybrid. Doesn’t get the milage we were supposed to get (29-30 instead of 34). but still does well for a small SUV. I really like the technology. If I am not useing the Navagator, I watch the power distibution system. Still find it cool afte a year. We did get the tax advantage as well. Both Fed and State. Does not off set the cost. Still I like it.
Also, I don’t think high gas prices are to much of a worry for a population that pays a dollar for .5 liter of water ($7.40 a gallon) or $4.25 for a 12 ounce cup of coffee at Starbucks ($54.40 a gallon).
Being older, I can remember that people (in the 1970’s) were saying that the death of the RV was $1.25/gallon gasoline. (They wer also predicting ‘Global Cooling’ and a new ice age). I tend not to get spooled up about the silly side of life anymore.
Since the Prius mileage was cut 15% yesterday....I would expect the premium to be gone overnight.